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ML  410   .T894  1897  | 
Knauff,  Christopher  W.  1838 
1911. 

Doctor  Tucker,  priest- 
musician 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


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https://archive.org/details/doctortuckerprieOOknau 


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DOCTOR  TUCKER 

PRIEST-MUSICIAN 

A    SKETCH    WHICH    CONCERNS    THE    DOINGS  AND 
THINKINGS  OF  THE 

REV.  JOHN  IRELAND  TUCKER,  S.T. D. 

INCLUDING  A  BRIEF  CONVERSE  ABOUT  THE  RISE  AND 
PROGRESS  OF  CHURCH  MUSIC  IN  AMERICA 

BY 

CHRISTOPHER  W.  KNAUFF,  M.A. 


NEW  YORK 

A.  D.  F.  RANDOLPH  COMPANY 
1897 


Copyright,  1897,  by 
THE  A.  D.  F.  RANDOLPH  COMPANY 


■ess  of  J.  J.  Little  &  Co. 
Aslor  Place,  New  York 


©ebtcafeb 

TO  THE 

GUILDS  OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS 

OF  TROY  NEW  YORK 

UNDER  WHOSE  AUSPICES  THIS  BOOK 
IS  ISSUED 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


vii 

I. 

I 

II. 

The  Boy  at  School  

II 

III. 

College  Days— Preparations  for  a  Tour. 

25 

IV. 

The  First  Journal  of  Travel  . 

37 

V. 

98 

VI. 

The  Beginnings  at  Troy  .... 

T  T  ■» 

VII. 

The  Deacon  in  Charge      .      .      .  . 

■\7TTT 
V  111. 

'  1  'TTT7      (^U/^T>    \  T  Ct7T5ATTOT? 

IX. 

Consecration— The  Ordering  of  Priests  . 

158 

X. 

The  Second  Journal  

XI. 

The  Boys'  School  

206 

XII. 

The  Later  Fifties  

214 

XIII. 

Bishop  Potter's  Reminiscence— Election 

of  the  First  Bishop  of  Albany  . 

227 

XIV. 

Shall  it  be  Lowell  Mason  or  Dr.  Dykes  ? 

245 

XV. 

The  Middle  Age  

XVI. 

The  Last  Hymnal  

284 

vi  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

XVII.  The  Jubilee  291 

XVIII.  A  Glance  Backward   .      .      .      .      .  310 
XIX.  The  End  which  is  the  Beginning    .      .  327 

XX.  Afterward     .      .      ...      .      .  .341 


PROLOGUE 


Bishop  Potter  once  made  the  remark  that  Doctor 
Tucker's  influence  in  Troy  was  absolutely  unique. 
The  Bishop  of  New  York  knew  whereof  he  spoke: 
he  was  a  long-time  friend  and  former  companion 
of  the  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

But  there  was  a  wider  influence.  A  multitude 
of  others — outside  the  limits  of  his  chosen  city — 
have  proved  the  quiet  force  and  charm  proceeding 
from  the  same  source. 

A  new  generation,  however,  is  coming  on,  which 
knows  the  name  only  as  designating  a  musical 
priest  who  was  the  editor  of  a  far-famed  Hymnal. 
It  seems  a  pity  that  these  should  not  make  acquaint- 
ance with  the  features  of  an  existence  which  was 
wholesome,  good-humored,  a  believer  in  fun  and 
yet  not  earthy;  which  was  childlike  and  sincere, 
led  by  straightforward  and  lofty  aims,  and  so  lifted 
up  to  an  unworldly  level.  It  is  not  often  that  this 
sort  of  living  is  met  with  among  the  sons  of  men. 
When  a  favored  few  do  find  the  rare  example,  it  is 
the  part  of  kindness  that  they  shall  tell  their  dis- 
covery to  others. 

His  memory  must  be  kept  green.  So  it  is  deter- 
mined in  every  case  where  nature  has  its  unhin- 
dered working.    In  a  family,  the  children  take  care 


viii 


PROLOGUE 


that  the  one  gone  before  shall  not  be  forgotten. 
They  inscribe  one  name  after  another  upon  their 
household  diptychs.  These  people  in  Troy  who 
loved  their  pastor  with  increasing  affection  all 
through  his  life,  and  now  love  him  better  than  ever, 
they  are  his  children — he  had  no  others — and  they 
are  the  ones  whose  privilege  it  is  to  rise  up  and 
call  him  blessed,  and  to  recount  the  list  of  virtues 
which  had  their  dwelling  in  the  earthly  tabernacle 
of  their  saint. 

Again,  we  Christians  believe  in  the  Communion 
of  Saints,  in  a  one  life-fibre,  a  touch  of  soul  with 
soul.  So  strong  is  the  hold  of  this  article  of  faith, 
that  men  and  women  parallel  it  by  fond  and  harm- 
less fancies  of  their  own.  Hence  the  present 
thought  about  spirits  gone  before  as  inhabitants 
of  the  planet  Mars,  and  the  effort  looking  toward 
an  exchange  of  signals  with  them.  Hence  another 
speculation — that  as  long  as  any  one  is  remem- 
bered, if  only  by  a  single  heart,  that  one  still  retains 
capacity  for  knowledge  concerning  human  affairs. 
However  that  may  be,  at  any  rate  we  feel,  we  are 
sure  of  a  relationship,  not  limited  by  earthly  sphere, 
estabHshed  in  and  through  the  Lord  and  Head. 
Many  are  they  that  remember,  and  that  so  believe, 
gathered  together  in  guilds  at  Troy. 

As  to  the  musical  side  of  the  question,  there 
is  an  ever-growing  attention  to  the  lovely  art  in 
all  its  departments  and  manifestations.  An  en- 
larging band  of  devotees  now  ask,  where  shall  we 
find  the  early  traces  of  this  creation,  this  fair  muse 
that  we  love  so  well? 


PROLOGUE 


ix 


The  whole  art  grows  out  from  Church  music  as 
its  primordial  germ,  and  the  ecclesiastical  world  of 
tone  commences  with  simple  psalmody.  So  it  is 
that  the  hymn-tune  becomes  a  promment  factor 
in  history.  As  we  follow  the  rise  of  religious 
melody,  we  note  a  struggling  effort  after  purer  art. 
On  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  Doctor  Tucker  was  a 
pioneer  in  the  fight  against  bad  music,  against  the 
admission  of  a  debased  sort  within  the  sacred  con- 
fines. In  this  cause  he  started  out  alone,  a  knight 
valiant  and  full  of  faith,  and  always  a  patriot  labor- 
ing for  the  common  weal.  The  stors'  of  his  life 
affords  a  valued  contribution  to  the  new  study 
— coming  into  vogue — which  craves  information 
about  the  increase  and  development  of  musical  art 
in  America. 


Doctor  Tucker,  Priest-Musician 


I 

FOREFATHERS 

"  He  was  a  saint  from  the  day  of  his  birth,  and 
he  could  sing  before  he  could  talk."  So  said  a 
near  relative  of  him  who  is  here  remembered,  and 
who  had  known  him,  in  the  intimacy  of  family 
relationship,  from  the  beginning  until  the  end.  It 
was  an  epitome  fortunately  expressed,  a  compre- 
hensive summing  up.  It  is  corroborated  by  the 
experiences  of  a  great  multitude  of  devoted  friends 
— by  the  companions  of  many  years. 

Doctor  Tucker — the  dear  Doctor  Tucker,"  as 
those  who  knew  him  best  were  wont  to  style  him — 
possessed  an  exceptional  character.  His  was  not 
an  ordinary  mind  or  heart.  Although  he  lived  an 
uneventful  life  of  retirement,  like  Keble  limiting 
his  strongest  activities  to  the  quiet  sphere  of  parish 
duty — to  what  the  children  of  this  world  call  a 
"  humdrum  existence  " — yet.  like  Keble,  his  name 
became  known  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  and 
from  the  East  even  to  the  West.  He  became  a 
recognized  power  in  certain  lines  of  thought  and 
action. 


2 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


It  is  right  that  the  memory  of  his  pure  and  noble 
living  shall  be  set  down  for  human  encouragement. 
When  one  has  felt  as  he  did,  and  manifested  forth 
such  singular  excellencies  pertaining  to  an  unsel- 
fish existence,  when  it  so  happened  that  the  posi- 
tion occupied  by  him  and  the  influence  exerted 
became  unique — having  no  exact  parallel — it  is 
fitting  that  we  shall  seek  to  know  whatever  may 
be  told  about  the  faithful  course  that  has  been  run. 
Only  natural  it  was  that  those  who  had  been  asso- 
ciated in  sacred  confidential  relationship  with  him 
as  pastor,  should  ask  that  some  sketch  of  his  life — 
a  centre  of  their  hopes  and  highest  aspirations — 
should  be  shaped  into  permanent  form  that  they 
might  have  it  with  them  in  their  homes.  Rightful 
it  is  that  others  also,  outside  of  the  charmed  circle, 
may  be  permitted  to  discover  some  fraction  of  the 
fascination  which  never  failed,  and  may  find  inter- 
est in  the  outline  records  of  days  which  were  not 
crowded  with  stirring  incident,  but  which,  never- 
theless, were  filled  full  of  that  which  is  of  value 
to  every  soul  that  lives  a  true  soul-life.  - 

John  Ireland  Tucker  was  born  in  Brooklyn  on 
the  26th  of  November,  1819. 

At  the  time,  Brooklyn  was  a  rural  suburb,  as 
yet  "  in  the  country."  Only  three  years  before  this 
had  the  hamlet  advanced  to  the  dignity  of  an  incor- 
porated village,  having  a  scattered  population  of 
four  thousand  four  hundred  inhabitants. 

Ancestry  and  environment  are  powerful  forces, 
influential  in  the  make-up  of  character.  Our 
revered  friend  was  blessed  with  progenitors  for 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


3 


whom  and  whose  dispositions  he  might  well  be 
thankful. 

His  maternal  grandfather,  Joshua  Sands,  was 
a  prominent  figure  in  the  community,  endowed 
with  strength  of  thought  and  action  in  matters  both 
of  State  and  Church.  He  was  a  member  and  some- 
time President  of  the  Village  Board  of  Trustees, 
also  the  first  Collector  of  Customs  and  a  representa- 
tive in  the  National  Congress.  One  of  the  streets 
of  the  now  great  city  bears  his  name. 

We  find  the  like  inscription  upon  records  which 
tell  of  religious  activity.  When  an  act  of  incor- 
poration was  passed,  April  23,  1787,  referring  to 
that  which  bore  the  style  and  title  of  "  The  Epis- 
copal Church  of  Brooklyn,"  we  note  the  name 
Joshua  Sands  among  the  list  of  original  trustees. 
This  was  in  the  days  of  ecclesiastical  pioneers, 
when  services  "  were  held  at  the  house  on  the 
North  East  Corner  of  Fulton  and  Middagh  Streets; 
which  house  was  fitted  with  pews."  So  says  Ga- 
briel Furman  in  his  now  rare  pamphlet,  printed 
by  A.  Spooner,  at  No.  50  Fulton  Street,  Brooklyn, 
in  1824.  After  this  the  primary  congregation 
came  into  possession  of  the  "  Independent  Meet- 
ing House,  whose  members  had  seceded  to  the 
Episcopal  Church,"  a  frame  building  located  on 
the  ground  well  known  in  later  years  as  a  place  of 
burial.  This  is  the  structure  which,  at  a  time  of 
revived  interest,  was  painted  blue,  "  which  some  of  « 
our  older  inhabitants  well  remember,"  says  Mr. 
Fish  in  his  Annals. 

A  few  years  after,  the  parish  comes  to  be  known 


4 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


by  a  distinctive  title,  commonly  called  St.  Ann's, 
for  a  cause  interesting  in  its  biographical  associa- 
tion. Then  and  thereafter  the  name  "  Sands " 
appears  upon  the  records  with  a  regularity  of  re- 
currence that  is  remarkable.  So  it  is  set  down  that 
to  this  one  of  the  chief  inhabitants  was  entrusted 
constantly  the  duties  of  vestryman  and  warden, 
also  of  deputy  to  the  Diocesan  Convention.  At  the 
time  of  his  death,  in  1835,  he  was  senior  warden  of 
the  honored  parish. 

Wealth  brought  further  opportunity  for  good  to 
this  progenitor.  There  was  a  time  when  he  and 
his  brother  were  endowed  with  large  possessions. 
Their  business  ventures  had  prospered  beyond  or- 
dinary measure.  As  far  back  as  the  year  1779  an 
act  of  attainder  was  passed  against  John  Rapalje, 
by  which  his  property  was  confiscated  to  the  use 
of  the  State,  and  "  that  part  of  his  property  ly- 
ing within  the  bounds  of  the  present  village  of 
Brooklyn,"  so  saith  Gabriel  Furman,  was,  on 
the  13th  of  July,  1784,  sold  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Forfeitures  to  Comfort  and  Joshua  Sands, 
Esq's,  for  £12,430."  A  considerable  purchase  for 
that  age! 

However,  as  fate  would  have  it,  a  serious  set- 
back came  to  pass  in  later  days.  It  was  before  the 
time  of  the  formation  of  insurance  companies;  as 
yet  each  merchant  was  his  own  insurer.  During 
this  unprotected  period,  on  one  sad  day  a  disastrous 
conflagration  destroyed  immense  storehouses  be- 
longing to  the  two  brothers,  and  their  losses  were 
enormous. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


5 


But  whether  richer  or  poorer,  Joshua  maintained 
an  even  reputation  for  benevolence  and  pubHc 
spirit.  He  and  his  good  wife  were  acknowledged 
"  friends  of  the  people,"  known  and  welcomed  by 
every  one.  Among  other  benefactions,  they — the 
heads  of  the  popular  household — gave  the  land 
upon  which  the  first  Church  building  was  erected 
at  the  corner  of  Sands  and  Washington  Streets. 
Some  years  before  the  putting  up  of  this — the 

Stone  Church,"  as  it  came  to  be  called — the  title 
of  the  congregation  had  been  settled.  Tacitly,  by 
common  consent,  the  style  was  changed  from  The 
Episcopal  Church  of  Brooklyn "  to  St.  Ann's 
Church,"  and  it  was  so  named  on  account  of  the 
one  woman  who  was  the  "  genuine  Dorcas  "  of  the 
settlement,  that  one  who  "  went  about  doing  good." 
The  title  was  associated  with  her  parish,  by  virtue 
of  the  character  and  influence  of  Ann  Sands,  wife 
of  Joshua. 

She,  whose  name  is  recorded  as  one  of  the  three 
earliest  communicants  of  the  Church  in  Brooklyn, 
and  who  became  a  mother  in  Israel,  was  in  the  line 
of  descent  from  Ann  Askew — otherwise  spelled 
Ayscough — who  was  burned  at  the  stake  in  the 
time  of  Henry  VHI.  The  family  connection  even 
now  like  to  look  back  to  the  ancestor  who  hesitated 
not  to  hold  firmly  to  her  faith  even  unto  death. 
The  relative  who  gave  me  the  information  re- 
marked, in  reference  to  the  subject  of  this  sketch: 
"  He  came  from  that  kind  of  stock,  and  really 
couldn't  help  being  good."  The  name  of  Ann 
Askew  is  so  highly  prized  that  it  still  appears 


6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


among  the  living;  a  daughter  in  one  branch  of  the 
house  to-day  bears  the  title. 

Here  let  it  be  remembered,  too,  that  Archbishop 
Sandys  is  of  the  same  line  now  known  as  Sands — 
another  forefather  who  contributes  to  the  stream  of 
inheritance. 

Anne  Moore  Sands  was  the  daughter  of  Joshua 
and  Ann.  About  her  we  shall  hear  further  when 
we  note  a  few  brief  selections  taken  from  the  letters 
which  she  wrote.  She,  maiden  highly  favored  of 
the  village,  was  wxdded  to  Fanning  C.  Tucker,  fit 
man  of  her  choice.  The  groom  was  the  son  of  a 
physician,  Dr.  Robert  Tucker,  the  first  graduate  in 
medicine  who  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Medicine  from  Columbia  College. 

Major  Fanning  C.  Tucker,  husband  of  Anne 
Sands,  attained  in  his  own  way  to  high  prominence 
in  Church  and  State.  He  was  active  in  afifairs  of 
parish  as  well  as  of  the  diocese.  When  Dr.  Henry 
U.  Onderdonk  relinquished  the  pastorship  of  St. 
Ann's,  promoted  to  the  see  of  Pennsylvania,  rumor 
had  it  that  he  was  not  well  disposed  toward  Mr. 
Mcllvaine — afterward  the  Bishop  of  Ohio — as  a 
successor.  The  latter  let  it  be  understood  that  he 
would  not  accept  the  invitation  to  rectorship  unless 
all  members  of  the  congregation  should  so  desire. 
Then  it  was  that  Fanning  C.  Tucker  gave  evidence 
of  his  customary  vigor;  he  took  his  carriage  and 
went  abroad  visiting  the  entire  region,  securing  the 
signature  of  every  parishioner.  The  act  was  the 
more  significant  in  view  of  the  fact  that  in  the  cur- 
rent lively  divisions  of  feeling  as  to  matters  eccle- 


PRIEST- MUSICIAN 


#7 


siastical,  the  new  Rector  tended  toward  the  one 
side  and  the  prominent  vestry-man  and  ofttime  war- 
den to  the  other.  Nevertheless,  the  chief  parochial 
official  worked  ever  in  hearty  unison  with  his  eccle- 
siastical superior. 

Major  Tucker  is  described  as  a  man  of  society,  . 
and  a  highly  respected,  successful  administrator  in 
business  affairs.  Later  he  became  the  president 
of  a  down-town  bank  in  Xew  York.  He  was  of  a 
lofty  stature,  erect,  commanding,  the  sort  of  a  per- 
sonage to  attract  attention  wherever  he  might  go. 

While  yet  a  young  and  newly  married  man,  Major 
Tucker  set  up  his  Lares  and  Penates  in  a  house  on 
Sands  Street.  There  his  son,  John  Ireland,  subject 
of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  1819.  The  name  chosen 
for  the  child  seems  to  have  been  of  especial  favor  in 
the  family.  It  had  been  given  to  a  brother  a  little 
older.  He  died  young,  and  a  few  months  after  his 
death  the  same  name  was  bestowed  upon  him 
whom  we  recall.  The  original  of  the  title  was  the 
Rev.  John  Ireland,  Rector  of  St.  Ann's  at  the  close 
of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  well  known  as  a  man 
of  erudition. 

Concerning  the  childhood  of  our  John  Ireland, 
son  of  Fanning,  little  may  be  told.  He  is  described 
by  one  who  knew  him  then  as  a  golden-haired, 
beautiful  boy."  His  charm  of  face  and  form  was 
remarked  by  all.  The  fond  mother  was  accus- 
tomed to  call  him  her  "  angel,"  or,  adopting  an- 
other equivalent  exegesis,  to  name  him  now  and 
again  "  her  little  Bishop." 

When  the  boy  was  four  years  of  age,  the  family 


8* 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


removed  to  a  new  home,  erected  on  "  the  heights/' 
The  place  is  still  remembered  as  containing  a 
double  mansion  of  ample  proportions,  built  of 
frame,  standing  near  to  the  spot  where  Grace 
Church  is  now  located.  The  country  homestead 
was  known  as  Bella  Vista."  It  included  some 
fifty  acres,  running  down  to  the  water,  and  com- 
prising a  fine  garden  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 
There  the  household  remained  until  after  the  death 
of  the  fond  mother,  when  there  was  another  re- 
moval, this  time  to  the  city  of  New  York.  Hence- 
forth the  family  makes  its  abode  among  the  dwell- 
ings of  the  Knickerbockers. 

But  before  we  leave  the  Brooklyn  scene,  let  me 
pause  to  incorporate  some  information,  imparted 
by  Dr.  J.  Carpenter  Smith,  for  half  a  century  Rector 
of  the  historic  parish  of  St.  George's  at  Flushing, 
L.  I.  In  his  early  years  Dr.  Smith  was  a  resident 
of  Brooklyn  at  a  time  when,  as  he  says,  the  vil- 
lage consisted  principally  of  St.  Ann's  Church  and 
the  Navy  Yard.  He  remembers  well  both  Fan- 
ning C.  Tucker  and  his  son  John.  He  speaks  of 
the  stature  and  pronounced  characteristics  of  the 
father  :  "  wherever  Fanning  C.  Tucker  went  he 
made  himself  known." 

Another  quality  is  referred  to.  The  father  was 
always  a  lover  of  harmony.  He  had  a  strong  bass 
voice,  which  rendered  good  service,  both  in  church 
and  at  home.  In  the  former  connection  he  was 
the  forefront  and  backbone  of  the  choir.  At  one 
and  the  same  time  he  filled  two  positions,  viz.,  war- 
den of  the  parish  and  leader  of  the  choristers. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


9 


It  is  easy  to  see  whence  the  son,  afterward  fa- 
mous for  his  musical  ability  and  knowledge,  derived 
his  taste  and  tendency.  They  came  to  him  by  right 
of  inheritance.  To  the  father  music  seems  to  have 
been  one  of  the  essentials  of  Hving.  As  an  example 
out  of  many.  Dr.  Smith  recounts  the  audible  per- 
formances, identified  with  a  house  next  to  his  own, 
where  lived  a  ^Madame  Brichta,  solo  soprano  and 
leading  treble  of  the  Church.  Thither  would  come 
at  times  the  director  of  St.  Ann's  choir  to  practise 
songs  or  take  part  in  concerted  pieces,  and  then,  as 
my  informant  phrases  it,  they  made  the  neighbor- 
hood vocal." 

By  the  same  narrator  the  boy,  John  Tucker,  is 
recalled,  as  he  walks  into  Sunday-school,  a  tall  and 
stately  lad;  there  and  elsewhere  he  always  mani- 
fested a  fine,  natural  propriety  of  deportment. 

In  the  second  or  third  decade  of  the  present 
century  the  Sunday-school  constituted  one  of  the 
vexed  questions.  Opinions  differed,  and  argu- 
ments were  warm.  A  school  had  been  established 
in  Brooklyn  in  the  early  part  of  the  ministry  of  the 
Rev.  Hugh  Smith,  which  began  in  1817.  The 
institution  was  continued,  during  two  or  three 
years,  under  the  administration  of  his  successor,  the 
Rgy.  Dr.  Onderdonk.  Gradually,  however,  it  lan- 
guished, and  at  length  expired.  When  Mr.  Mc- 
Ilvaine  came  to  the  rectorship  the  school  was  once 
more  started,  and  upon  a  career  of  renewed  vigor. 

Although  Dr.  Smith  remembers  his  former 
schoolmate  as  a  dignified  and  stately  lad  of  erect 
carriage,  yet  the  latter  could  unbend,  showing  the 


lO 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


unchanging  attractiveness  of  a  cheerful  mind.  So 
it  may  be  inferred  from  the  designation  "  Jack," 
bestowed  upon  him  by  his  father  and  by  many  asso- 
ciates. And  so  it  may  be  witnessed,  further,  from  a 
Httle  exhibition  of  playfulness  which  is  still  remem- 
bered. The  brief  story  was  told  by  him,  long  after, 
to  friends  in  Troy.  He  recalled  an  occasion  when 
an  assortment  of  cake  had  been  placed  in  a  cake- 
basket  "  and  covered  with  a  doily.  The  boy 
passed  the  spot.  By  way  of  a  prank,  he  removed 
the  uppermost  piece  of  cake,  substituting  in  its 
stead  an  inverted  saucer,  again  covering  all  with 
the  doily.  When  the  cake-basket  was  brought 
into  action  there  was  astonishment  among  the  be- 
holders. Of  course  the  performance  was  a  bit  of 
harmless  pleasantry  at  home. 

To  return  to  the  benefit  of  forefathers.  It  is 
easy  to  perceive  that  in  the  case  of  him  whose 
young  life  was  bright  and  prosperous,  certain  defi- 
nite qualities,  running  all  through  the  fruitful  years, 
may  be  traced  back  to  their  remote  beginnings. 
Impalpable  but  real  treasures,  like  that  of  a  good 
name,  pass  on  from  father  or  mother  to  a  child. 
So  it  is  that  we  find  a  fittingness,  a  something  ex- 
pected not  only  in  the  stature  and  bearing,  but  in 
the  piety  and  benevolence,  the  ecclesiastical  ten- 
dency, the  marked  taste  and  ability  in  music,  as 
well  as  the  unquestioned  respectability  of  Doctor 
Tucker.  The  entire  hst  of  attributes  is  in  keeping 
with  his  antecedents.  He  was  the  worthy  son  of  a 
worthy  line. 


II 


THE  BOY  AT  SCHOOL 

There  must  be  preparation  for  days  to  come. 
Accordingly,  judicious  courses  of  study  are  pre- 
scribed. For  a  time  the  lad  crosses  the  East 
River,  day  by  day,  as  he  attends  the  Columbia 
Grammar  School,  then  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Ogilby. 

When  near  thirteen  years  of  age  he  is  sent  to 
Flushing,  L.  L,  that  he  may  be  entered  as  pupil 
under  the  charge  of  William  Augustus  Muhlen- 
berg, prince  of  philanthropists,  who  made  an  early 
start  in  his  career  of  blessing,  when  he  gathered 
about  him  a  band  of  young  disciples  that  they 
might  be  trained  in  knowledge  and  religion.  By 
means  of  this,  as  well  as  later  agencies,  the  head  of 
the  Flushing  Institute  inscribed  an  indelible  mark 
upon  his  generation.  Even  at  this  late  day  Dr. 
Muhlenberg's  school  is  not  forgotten.  Not  infre- 
quently one  hears  a  reference  to  it,  made  in  conver- 
sation, whereby  it  becomes  apparent  that  the  influ- 
ences flowing  thence  have  not  yet  passed  away. 

From  the  contents  of  letters — to  which  access 
has  been  kindly  granted — we  may  gain  a  gUmpse 
of  the  daily  life  at  Flushing.  The  young  student 
stands  well  in  his  classes;  he  exercises  good  judg- 


12 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


ment  in  the  choice  of  his  companions;  he  gains  the 
express  approval  of  the  venerated  instructor.  From 
another  source  comes  the  further  information  that 
already  a  strong  musical  talent  begins  to  manifest 
its  presence  in  the  youthful  mind. 

The  mother,  who  loves  as  mothers  do,  opens  her 
heart  to  the  boy;  she  writes  about  the  burden  laid 
upon  her  by  his  recent  departure  from  home. 

Brooklyn,  Dec.  6,  [1832.] 

My  Beloved  Boy: 

Your  letter  to  your  aunt  gave  us  all  a  great  deal  of 
pleasure;  I  say  us,  for  she  was  in  the  city.    .    .  . 

Thank  you  for  the  compliment  you  pay  my  letter.  I 
should,  my  son,  write  much  oftener;  but  to  be  candid,  I 
don't  feel  quite  as  well  after  writing  to  you.  The  sacri- 
fice I  have  made  seems  greater  than  I  at  first  thought, 
and  I  almost  shrink  from  the  idea  of  our  separation.  Yes, 
my  love,  this  is  indeed  the  first  birthday  you  have  ever 
passed  from  home. 

You  were  born  a  few  months  after  the  death  of  your 
eldest  brother.  He  was  everything  that  was  good  and 
estimable.  When  he  died,  I  was  afflicted,  greatly  so;  but 
when  you  came,  the  void  in  my  affection  caused  by  his 
loss  was  filled  up.  With  his  name  you  appeared  to  in- 
herit his  amiable  disposition,  and  I  hope,  also  his  talents. 
You  will  think  I  am  dull. 

We  look  forward  with  pleasure  to  the  Holidays,  when 
we  hope  to  see  you  with  your  friend.  I  am  sure  I  shall 
like  him.  Young  as  you  are,  you  have  always  shown 
great  discernment  in  the  choice  of  your  companions. 

Don't,  my  love,  expose  yourself;  your  health  is  by  no 
means  robust. 

God  bless  you,  my  dear  John,  and  may  you  ever  be  the 
delight  and  comfort  of  your  parents  and  friends  as  you 
are  at  present,  is  the  prayer  of  your  mother 

Anne  M.  Tucker. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


13 


As  we  read  and  ponder  the  fervent  messages, 
perchance  the  reflection  may  arise:  "  He  could  not 
help  being  a  good  boy  when  he  had  a  mother  like 
that — so  loving,  so  trustful,  and  so  sensible  in  her 
advice."  \'erily  blessed  are  the  sons  that  have  a 
mother  of  the  like  capability,  manifesting  force  and 
clearness  of  mind  as  well  as  enduring  strength  of 
heart ! 

The  words  now^  transcribed  were  written  for  pri- 
vate reading;  but  as  both  mother  and  son  lie  in 
their  graves,  it  may  not  be  accounted  a  breach  of 
confidence  to  unveil  their  little  conferences,  im- 
mortal by  virtue  of  heartful  charm,  and  afford- 
ing lessons  of  benefit  for  them  that  shall  come 
after. 

In  the  letter  next  following  there  is  an  especial 
trait  of  downright  motherliness,  in  the  passage 
where  the  writer  refers  to  an  article  of  clothing  as 
having  been  made  according  to  a  style  worn  by 
the  father,  and  this  she  knows  will  go  straight  to 
the  heart  of  any  boy. 

Brooklyn,  June  ist.  [1832] 

My  Dear  Boy: 

I  have  been  prevented  answering  your  last  letter  by  an 
indisposition,  which  though  slight,  still  from  the  unpleas- 
antness of  the  weather  I  found  some  difficulty  in  getting 
rid  of.  This  is  the  first  day  in  two  weeks  that  I  have  been 
able  to  write  a  line.  I  had  flattered  myself  to  have  seen 
you  before  this;  several  days  have  been  named  for  our 
family,  with  Mr.  Carter's,  to  have  paid  you  a  visit,  but 
something  always  turns  up  to  disappoint  us;  then  I  was 
sick,  then  it  rained,  and  then  the  gentlemen  were  engaged 
— thus  has  hope  been  deferred  till  I  have  lost  all  patience. 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Today  is  to  be  your  examination,  I  am  told.  I  am  con- 
fident of  your  doing  your  best,  therefore  am  determined 
to  be  satisfied,  whatever  your  grade  may  be.  Don't  think 
I  wish  you  to  relax  your  exertion  to  gain  an  honorable 
rank;  but  should  you  fail,  don't  think  mamma  and  the 
rest  of  us  will  be  mortified.  Let  me  repeat  it  again,  we 
know  you  will  do  your  best. 

It  is  really  provoking  that  your  bundles  so  often  are 
detained.  I  always  prefer  Saturday  as  being  the  day 
when  you  are  most  at  leisure,  and  the  papers  &c.  will  be 
acceptable.  I  have  sent  you  this  week  the  Monthly 
Repository.  Fanning  continues  as  much  pleased  as  ever 
with  his  school.  He  hurt  his  hand,  which  will  account 
for  his  not  having  written  lately.  The  little  girls  are  con- 
fined home  with  bad  colds. 

We  purpose  should  the  weather  be  fine,  to  have  the 
little  boys  baptized  next  Wednesday  morning  at  ii 
o'clock.  Do  you  think  it  would  be  possible  for  you  to 
come  down  on  this  interesting  occasion?  They  have  both 
had  colds,  but  have  recovered. 

Your  Aunt  M.  has  gone  over  to  see  little  John.  You 
never  mention  your  nephews;  their  Mammas  take  it 
quite  as  a  slight.  I  have  a  new  stock  for  you,  and  have 
had  a  new  shirt  made  for  you  to  try,  full-bosomed  like 
your  Papa's.  I  don't  send  them  up,  as  I  wish  to  see  them 
tried  on. 

Here  is  a  delightful  bit  of  nature,  the  unfolding 
of  a  homelike  affection;  but  the  interest  ends  not 
with  that.  Here  one  may  gain  a  view  of  the  cus- 
toms and  manners  of  the  second  decade  of  the  cen- 
tury. Would  that  a  portrait  were  available,  show- 
ing the  youth,  just  waking  to  manly  view  of 
things,  and  clad  in  stock  and  ruffled  shirt  front! 
What  luxury  to  him  to  come  so  close  to  the  appear- 
ing of  his  ideal  of  human  dignity! 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


15 


But  after  the  delivery  of  the  message,  of  high 
import  to  the  lad  at  school,  the  handwriting  of  the 
letter  changes,  and  the  father  adds  a  postscript: 

You  see,  my  dear  boy,  that  I  am  occasionally  obliged  to 
give  your  letters  a  finishing  stroke.  Your  mother,  as  the 
day  is  fine,  has  gone  to  take  a  short  ride.  I  think  it  un- 
certain if  the  children  are  baptized  on  Wednesday,  as  they 
both  have  colds.  We  had  papers  &c.  put  up  for  you, 
but  have  not  an  opportunity  of  sending  them  to  the  city; 
this  you  will  receive  through  the  Post  Office. 

Fanning  went  yesterday  to  Fort  Hamilton,  with  the 
Kings  County  Sunday-school  in  the  steamboat  and  safety 
barge.  There  were  upwards  of  5000  children.  They 
passed  a  happy,  delightful  day.    They  had  the  Navy  Yard 

band.    Major  G         received  them  at  the  fort,  had  seats 

prepared  for. them,  and  every  thing  in  handsome  style. 

Your  letter,  my  dear  boy,  I  received.  This  I  do  not 
consider  as  an  answer,  but  intend  writing  you  again 
shortly.    All  join  in  much  love. 

The  matter  of  the  student's  standing  receives 
attention  in  more  than  one  epistle.  Here,  for 
example : 

Brooklyn,  April  17. 

My  Dear  Boy: 

Your  report  has  at  length  reached  us,  and  a  brilliant 
one  it  is,  far,  far  above  what  I  expected,  though  your  last 
letter  led  me  to  anticipate  something  clever — but  first 
rank,  first  grade,  it  is  too  much!  If  it  had  not  been  in 
Mr.  Muhlenberg's  own  hand,  I  should  have  thought  there 
might  have  been  a  mistake.  Don't  you  think,  Jackey, 
Lent  has  had  something  to  do  with  your  success?  I  shall 
really  begin  to  be  an  advocate  for  simple  diet  (particu- 
larly when  we  have  an  object  to  attain.) 

I  am  happy  to  find  that  all  the  days  prescribed  by  our 


i6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Church,  are  so  strictly  kept  at  the  Institute.  You  are 
right  too,  in  changing  the  day  of  writing  home;  it  has 
always  been  a  matter  of  surprise  why  you  should  have 
selected  Sunday. 

I  have  nothing  new  to  tell  nor  interesting  to  send  you. 
Your  sister  Sarah  has  a  periodical  paper  called  the  Casket, 
which  she  intends  sending  you,  perhaps  on  Saturday.  My 
respects  to  Mr.  Muhlenberg  and  Mr.  Seabury,  and  may 
you  continue  as  now  to  be  the  delight  of  your  parents  and 
friends,  is  the  prayer  of  your  afifectionate  mother 

Anne  M.  Tucker. 

I  intended  sending  this  by  the  stage  with  your  clothes, 
but  it  rains  so  hard;  have  therefore  concluded  on  this 
by  mail.  Tomorrow  you  may  expect  a  bundle.  All  the 
family  desire  their  affectionate  regards  to  you. 

The  art  of  music  already  comes  into  prominence. 
In  a  letter  dated  February  12  the  good  mother 
writes : 

I  think  if  you  could  without  interfering  with  your  more 
important  studies  learn  the  Pianoforte  sufficiently  to  play 
an  accompaniment,  you  would  find  it  a  source  of  great 
amusement.  This,  with  the  little  knowledge  you  already 
possess  and  your  great  fondness  for  it,  you  will  be  en- 
abled to  do  without  much  labor.  And  if  Mr.  Muhlenberg 
should  not  be  able  to  obtain  a  teacher,  why,  during  the 
vacation  Mr.  Boyle  can  give  you  lessons.  I  am  quite 
anxious  to  hear  how  you  make  out  with  chanting. 

The  matter  of  chanting — even  in  regard  to  plain 
canticles  or  psalms — was  then  somewhat  of  a 
novelty  in  America. 

The  date  was  not  far  removed  from  the  time 
when  chanting  was  altogether  unknown  among 


PRIEST-.MUSICIAX 


17 


US.  The  pre-revolutionary  incompleteness  of  ritual 
had  been  perpetuated.  Canticles  as  well  as  Psalter 
were  read  in  ordinary  voice.  The  issue  of  the 
Prayer  Book  in  1789  was  framed  to  fit  the  use,  or 
lack  of  use;  hence  the  American  rubric  in  the 
Post-communion  allowing  a  metrical  hymn  to  be 
sung  in  place  of  the  Gloria  in  Excelsis.  It  was  felt 
that  some  musical  utterance  was  demanded  in  a 
service  of  high  thanksgiving,  but  the  whole  Amer- 
ican Church  could  sing  nothing  other  than  metri- 
cal psalm.  It  was  not  until  many  years  later  that 
Peter  Erben,  the  organ-builder,  played  the  accom- 
paniment to  the  first  singing  of  the  Venite  in  the 
City  of  New  York. 

As  in  every  case  of  reform  or  restoration,  the 
subject  became  more  or  less  a  qiiaestio  vexata. 
There  was  agitation  among  the  Church  folk  about 
the  innovation  which  had  disturbed  their  peace. 

There  is  no  doubt  as  to  the  stand  taken  by  Mr. 
Muhlenberg.  An  Evangelical  Catholic  " — to  use 
his  own  phraseology — he  was  keenly  alive  to  the 
aesthetic  side  of  religion,  recognizing  poetry,  mu- 
sic, and  painting  as  pertaining  to  the  beauty  of 
holiness."  Years  before,  during  his  diaconate, 
when  he  served  as  assistant  to  Bishop  White  at  St. 
James'  in  Philadelphia,  we  are  told  that  he  formed  a 
choir  and  published  a  collection  of  chants  for  their 
use. 

When  the  "  Institute  "  came  into  being,  music 
was  assigned  a  commanding  position  as  a  power- 
ful auxiliary  working  toward  the  devotional  mood. 
The  wise  Head-master  lived  out  the  Church  year 
2 


i8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


after  a  fashion  before  unknown  in  the  experiences 
of  the  new  land.  He  marked  days  and  seasons, 
upon  occasion  by  sunrise  services,  by  emblems  and 
lighted  candles,  by  evergreens  and  flowers,  but  in 
particular  by  hymns  and  carols  and  by  appropriate 
chantings. 

Dr.  L.  Van  Bokkelen  had  been  for  fifteen  years 
connected  with  the  Institute  and  St.  Paul's  College, 
first  as  pupil  and  then  as  teacher.  Afterward  he 
writes : 

It  was  the  poetry  of  which  evangelical  truth  was  the 
concrete.  The  Chapel  was  brilliant  on  the  great  festivals 
with  candles  and  emblems.  At  the  Christmas  services  a 
picture  of  the  Virgin  and  Holy  Child  was  placed  above 
the  altar,  wreathed  with  holly.  On  Good  Friday,  a  pict- 
ure of  the  Crucifixion,  with  drapery  of  black.  On  Easter, 
O  how  glorious  the  service  which  began  with  the  rising 
sun!  There  were  the  bright  lights  and  the  fragrant 
flowers  ;  among  these  always  the  calla  lily  and  the 
hyacinth. 

Anne  Ayres  in  her  biography,  referring  to  the 
"  peculiar  services  "  of  the  College  Chapel,  quotes 
Dr.  Muhlenberg  in  one  of  his  later  utterances:  "  If 
we  practised  more  or  less  of  ritualism,  it  was  cer- 
tainly not  of  the  Romish  type,  but  the  product  of 
imagination  in  accordance  with  the  verities  of  our 
religion.  As  educational  means,  I  believe  these 
services  had  only  a  happy  effect  on  the  minds  of 
the  young,  though  some  of  my  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  formerly  my  pupils,  say  that  they  were  the 
germs  of  their  present  taste  for  Churchly  cere- 
monial and  ornamented  services." 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


19 


John  I.  Tucker  was  all  ready  for  the  impressions 
which  moved  so  many  other  young  minds.  Is  it 
any  wonder  that  he  should  follow  in  the  footsteps 
of  the  saint  who  went  before? 

According  to  the  testimony  of  the  same  Sister 
Anne,  there  was  a  Choir  of  the  School,"  ap- 
pointed and  drilled  for  leadership  in  Psalmody. 
Long  after  the  period  of  which  we  speak,  reference 
was  made  to  the  fact  in  a  Convention  Address 
delivered  by  Bishop  Bedell,  himself  an  alumnus  of 
Flushing  Institute.  The  Bishop  is  paying  a  tribute 
to  his  '*  dear  old  Master,"  and  to  the  educational 
work  accomplished  by  him: 

During  these  years  Dr.  Aluhlenberg  laid  the  impress  of 
his  character  upon  some  eight  hundred  boys.  Those  who 
survive  arc  now  men,  most  of  them  in  positions  where 
they  touch  the  very  springs  of  society,  and  direct  the 
forces  that  are  moving  this  age.  One  has  played  his 
part  well  in  diplomacy,  and  still  is  yielding  political  influ- 
ence. [Here  a  footnote  gives  the  name  John  Jay,  ex- 
Minister  to  Austria.]  .  .  .  Another,  the  sweet  boy- 
singer,  leader  of  the  school  choir,  is  now  heard  through 
his  hymnal  in  hundreds  of  our  churches  and  leads  the 
devotion  of  thousands  of  souls  as  he  learned  to  do  when 
we  were  boys  together  at  Flushing. 

Here,  again,  a  footnote  identifies  the  reference 
this  time  recording  the  name  "  John  Ireland 
Tucker,  D.D.,  of  Troy." 

One  can  imagine  the  fresh  avidity  with  which  the 
youthful  disciple  would  enter  into  this  new  garden 
of  delight.  He  found  himself  in  an  atmosphere 
made  glorious  by  tone  and  color.    The  tendency 


20 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


to  which  he  surrendered  himself  fitted  in  with  his 
natural  temperament,  his  inborn  love  of  music,  and 
his  lifelong  devotion  to  the  ideal  majesty  of  that 
act  which  attempts  to  of¥er  adoration  to  the  high 
God.  Gladly  did  he  journey  along  the  prescribed 
path.  Esthetics  were  never  foreign  to  him,  and  he 
received  his  Catholic  training  from  the  Evangelical 
Master.  As  said  Bishop  Coxe,  when  the  writer 
was  conversing  with  him  about  the  boyhood  of  Dr. 
Tucker:  "  Yes,  Dr.  Muhlenberg  '  made  '  him."  In 
the  Flushing  days  the  bent  was  set  w^hich  lasted 
to  and  through  the  end  of  the  earthly  life. 

It  has  been  written  of  the  ^Monastery  of  Bee, 
school  of  Lanfranc  and  St.  Anselm,  that  the  endur- 
ing quality  of  its  influence,  and  the  brilliancy  of  its 
fame,  were  out  of  all  proportion  with  the  short  term 
of  its  existence.  So  it  may  be  said  of  the  Flushing 
Institute  during  the  brief  period  which  covered  its 
original  condition.  The  effect  seems  incommen- 
surable with  the  cause.  Yet  the  reasons  are  not 
far  to  seek:  the  one  man,  the  exceptional  mind  and 
heart,  at  the  head  of  the  establishment;  also  the 
wise  methods  adopted  for  the  accomplishment  of 
his  ends. 

Again,  it  is  said  of  the  same  school  at  Bee,  that  it 
got  its  influence  from  the  moral  training  there  be- 
stowed. It  assigned  a  place  of  preeminent  im- 
portance to  moral  and  religious  culture,  while  it 
did  not  forget  the  training  of  the  intellect.  Now- 
adays the  tendency  of  systems  of  education  is  to 
drop  out  the  moral.  Not  so  with  the  Institute, 
where  the  Principal  cared  first  of  all  for  the  religion 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


21 


of  Christ,  and  defined  that  as  including  morals  and 
sound  learning. 

Music  is  referred  to  yet  further  in  the  corre- 
spondence dating  from  the  Flushing  days.  Says 
the  father,  writing  on  June  5,  1832:  I  long  to  have 
a  sing  with  you  and  Mr.  Muhlenberg,  and  shall 
surely  come  and  spend  a  Simday  with  you  for  that 
purpose,  as  well  as  to  ascertain  whether  you  have 
gone  ahead  of  St.  Ann's  choir  in  chanting  the 
Church  services."  Was  it  possible  that  the  ex- 
ample of  the  Institute  had  extended  to  Brooklyn, 
by  way  of  the  pupil  and  his  musical  father? 

Again,  on  the  24th  of  December,  1833,  the  same 
writer  speaks  first  of  the  child  sisters  at  home  who 
are  "  one,  two,  threeing  at  the  piano."  He  incor- 
porates a  message:  "  Mr.  Taylor,  our  organist,  has 
politely  said  that  he  will  yield  the  organ  to  you  for 
a  Voluntary,  or  a  Psalm  or  so,  when  you  come 
among  us  at  next  vacation."  The  musical  pro- 
gramme for  the  Christmas  services  is  mentioned 
as  a  matter  of  mutual  interest.  "  Our  music  to- 
morrow, besides  the  ordinary  portions,  w^ill  be  in 
the  morning  Kent's  Jubilate  and  the  Gloria  in 
Excelsis  of  Mozart,  introduced  by  the  recitative, 
*  There  were  Shepherds  ' ;  in  the  evening,  *  Go  forth 
to  the  Blount,'  to  words  composed  by  my  friend 
Mrs.  Embury,  expressly  for  the  occasion." 

It  is  likely  that  the  youthful  singer  was  identified, 
not  only  with  the  choir  of  his  school,  but  with  that 
of  St.  George's  parish  in  Flushing,  of  which  Mr. 
Muhlenberg  was  Rector  for  a  while.  There,  by 
an  act  far  in  advance  of  his  period,  the  latter  had 


22 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


introduced  the  singing-  of  boys.  So  it  would  ap- 
pear from  a  letter  written  recently  by  James  S. 
Biddle,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  who  in  his  youth  was 
a  pupil  of  the  Institute.    He  says: 

Flushing  has  a  peculiar  interest  for  me  as  I  was  con- 
firmed more  than  60  years  ago  in  the  old  St.  George's 
Church  which  is  now  in  the  rear  of  the  new  Church. 
And,  writing  to  a  musician,  I  must  also  confess  that  I 
was  tried  for  a  while  in  the  choir  and  was  not  a  success. 

There  is  every  likelihood  that  the  sweet  boy 
singer,  leader  of  the  school  choir,"  was  a  partici- 
pant in  the  new  venture  at  St.  George's  Church. 

Mr.  Biddle  gives  his  remembrances  of  the  old 
school-days  as  he  writes,  on  February  5,  1896: 

I  was  at  the  Flushing  Institute  under  Dr.  Muhlenberg 
from  1829  to  1833,  Dr.  Tucker  was  there  with  me,  but  1 
find  that  his  name  is  not  on  the  Catalogue  of  January  ist, 
1831.    He  came  probably  in  '31  or  '32. 

He  was  a  very  interesting  and  lovable  boy,  bright  and 
handsome  in  appearance  and  a  general  favorite.  Dr. 
Muhlenberg  always  tested  the  musical  capabilities  of  a 
new  pupil  and  of  course  soon  discovered  those  of  "  Jack 
Tucker  "  as  we  always  called  him. 

After  leaving*  school,  our  paths  led  different  ways,  and  I 
met  him  only  two  or  three  tim.es  during  the  sixty  years 
before  his  death. 

H«  *  *  * 

In  1889  I  revisited  the  Flushing  Institute  after  an  ab- 
sence of  53  years. 

Yet  another  glimpse  of  youthful  days,  having  to 
do  with  a  momentous  topic.  The  father  writes  to 
his  "  dear  son  "  from  New  York,  on  the  9th  of 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


23 


January,  1834.  After  a  reciprocation  of  New 
Year's  wishes,  he  continues: 

I  see  that  the  Bishop  is  to  administer  the  rite  of  Con- 
firmation in  the  Chapel  on  Ash  Wednesday,  and  you 
desire  my  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  your  presenting 
yourself  on  the  occasion.  You  are  doubtless  aware  of  the 
true  character  of  the  ordinance,  and  I  myself  should  be 
willing  to  leave  the  subject  to  the  exercise  of  your  own 
judgment.  I  think  you  have  attained  sufficient  age  and 
discretion  and  cannot  see  any  objection  to  your  being 
confirmed.  Yet  if  you  have  doubts  which  Mr.  Muhlen- 
berg cannot  remove,  then  defer  it,  for  it  is  neither  neces- 
sary nor  proper  to  be  hasty  in  such  matters.  Upon  the 
whole  I  hope  you  will  prepare  yourself  and  with  a  safe 
conscience  be  able  to  present  yourself  to  the  Bishop. 

From  your  afifec'^^  father 

F.  C.  T. 

P.  S.    I  cannot  but  be  delighted  with  your  standing. 

But  the  time  draws  nigh  when  the  student  must 
be  promoted.  The  step  is  prefigured  in  one  of 
the  few  letters  at  hand,  written  by  himself: 

Flushing  Institute, 

April  27th,  1834. 

Dear  Papa: 

On  my  last  visit,  you  mentioned  that  I  had  not  said 
anything  concerning  that  part  of  your  last  letter  which 
had  reference  to  the  sentiments  of  Messrs.  Muhlenberg 
and  Seabury,  respecting  Columbia  College  and  Univer- 
sity. I  have  not,  yet  spoken  to  either  of  the  gentlemen, 
but  will  do  so  in  due  time. 

Mr.  Muhlenberg  has  informed  me,  since  my  return, 
that  it  is  his  intention  to  relinquish  his  present  institu- 
tion, on  the  first  of  August.  He  says  he  wishes  it  to 
be  understood,  that  he  does  not  then  retire  altogether 


24 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


from  the  instruction  of  youth;  but  that,  after  i8  months  or 
two  years,  he  will  commence  his  contemplated  St.  Paul's 
College.  In  the  meantime  he  will  collect  funds,  and  in 
other  ways  prepare  for  the  establishment  of  his  aforesaid 
college. 

I  hear  that  your  horses  still  continue  to  please  as  much 
as  ever.  When  you  come  to  Flushing,  I  shall  not  be 
ashamed  to  own  you. 

A  person  is  now  singing  to  the  pianoforte.  Therefore 
excuse  the  business  faults  of  this  epistle  of  your  attached 
son 

John  I.  Tucker. 


Ill 


COLLEGE    DAYS— PREPARATIONS  FOR 
A  TOUR 

The  next  stage  of  life  is  passed  within  the  walls 
of  Columbia  College,  where  our  student  entered 
the  Sophomore  class  in  the  fall  of  1834.  About 
the  same  time  the  entire  family  moved  from  Brook- 
lyn to  New  York — except  the  fond  mother,  who 
had  been  called  to  go  up  higher. 

College  association  begets  congenial  companion- 
ship. One  of  the  intimate  mates  was  John  Jay, 
one  year  in  advance  of  John  L  Tucker,  the  former 
graduating  in  1836.  In  later  times  John  Jay  be- 
came famous  as  lawyer  and  statesman.  Minister  to 
Austria,  and  Chairman  of  a  Civil  Service  Reform 
Committee.  A  quartet  of  young  men  in  New 
York  were  linked  together  in  the  bonds  of  especial 
friendship  and  in  constant  companionship.  Two 
of  these  were  Jay  and  Tucker,  the  others,  Arthur  C. 
Coxe — as  his  name  appears  upon  an  early  Seminary 
catalogue — afterward  the  honored  Bishop  of  West- 
ern New  York,  and  John  Henry  Hobart,  son  of 
the  former  Bishop  of  New  York.  The  members  of 
this  informal  club  were  happy  when  they  met  to- 
gether, severally  or  collectively.    After  their  dis- 


26 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


persal  a  diligent  correspondence  was  carried  on  for 
a  longer  period  than  that  devoted  by  most  young- 
men  friends  to  the  service  of  the  post  office. 

The  class  of  1837  graduated  twenty-three  in 
number.  Samuel  Blatchford  was  at  the  head, 
gold  medallist  by  virtue  of  "  general  excellence." 
Later  he  rose  from  one  judicial  position  to  another, 
until  he  became  Justice  of  the  United  States  Su- 
preme Court.  John  I.  Tucker  was  among  the 
elect;  he  was  a  double  bronze  medallist,  receiving 
the  two  awards  in  special  departments. 

In  an  old  scrap  book,  loaned  for  the  purpose,  I 
discover  an  undated  cutting  referring  to  the  cere- 
monies of  Commencement  for  the  year.  It  will  be 
worth  while  to  see  how  they  did  these  things  sixty 
years  ago;  accordingly  I  venture  to  transcribe  a 
portion  of  the  article: 

For  the  Nezv  York  Daily  Express. 
COLUMBIA  COLLEGE. 

By  invitation  of  a  friend,  I  attended  the  annual  Com- 
mencement of  this  institution.  St.  John's  Chapel  was 
crowded  with  the  youth  and  beauty  of  the  city,  and  every- 
thing was  as  favorable  as  the  most  ardent  wish  of  the 
young  men  who  were  to  receive  the  honors  of  the  day 
could  have  made  it. 

I  was  particularly  struck  with  the  dignity  and  urbanity 
of  the  President,  whom  I  had  never  seen  before.  He 
appeared  to  me  to  be  a  model  of  what  an  instructor  of 
young  gentlemen  should  be — able  both  to  command  re- 
spect, and  to  win  confidence  and  afifection.  The  prayer, 
at  the  opening  of  the  exercises,  was  beautifully  appro- 
priate. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


27 


The  literary  exercises  of  the  day  were  generally  credit- 
able to  the  young  gentlemen  who  performed  them,  and 
to  the  College.  The  Greek  Salutatory  Poem,  by  Samuel 
Blatchford,  was  very  beautifully  and  forcibly  pronounced, 
so  much  so,  that  although  I  could  scarcely  make  out  the 
sense  of  a  single  line,  I  should  not  have  been  weary  of  it  had 
it  been  twice  as  long  as  it  was.  The  Latin  Salutatory,  by 
Charles  Aldis,  was  also  very  well  spoken,  though  it  did 
not  sound  quite  so  musical  to  my  ear  as  the  other.  The 
English  Salutatory,  by  Nathaniel  W.  Chittenden,  was  a 
good  performance,  but  not  so  well  pronounced  as  it 
might  have  been.  Indeed,  I  felt  during  the  performance, 
that  the  gentleman  was  not  doing  himself  justice.  He 
made  too  much  effort,  which  led  him  often  to  an  incor- 
rect emphasis  and  an  unfortunate  intonation  of  voice. 
His  subject  was  "  The  Influence  of  Woman  upon  the  Des- 
tinies of  a  People,"  and  to  his  credit  be  it  said,  he  had  the 
good  sense — while  elevating  woman  to  her  appropriate 
sphere  in  society,  to  steer  clear  of  fulsome  adulation  and 
unmeaning  flattery.  The  oration  on  "  The  Poetry  of 
Life  in  Modern  Times,"  by  Henry  B.  Fessenden,  was 
excellent  both  in  composition  and  delivery.  The  whole 
was  highly  poetical,  and  his  contrast  between  the  an- 
cient and  modern  '*  Poetry  of  Life  "  particularly  beauti- 
ful. ..."  The  Limit  of  Civilization,"  by  John  I. 
Tucker,  was  very  fine,  one  of  the  best  performances  of  the 
day,  both  for  sentiment  and  style  of  composition. 

The  Valedictory,  by  John  Vanderbilt,  Jr.,  scarcely 
equalled  my  expectations.  By  itself  it  would  have  been 
very  creditable,  but  as  the  choice  performance  of  so  good 
a  class,  it  did  not  appear  so  well.  The  farewell  to  his 
classmates  was  too  cold  and  hortatory.  An  occasion 
which  should  have  called  for  the  expression  of  every  kind 
and  warm  sentiment  of  the  heart,  was  improved  only  as 
an  opportunity  of  giving  sound  and  wholesome  advice  to 
his  classmates,  whom  he  addressed  as  "  gentlemen." 

The  music  did  not  please  me.  It  was  a  perfect  chaos 
of  sounds.    It  might  have  displayed  great  skill  and  sci- 


28 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


ence,  but  it  did  not  touch  the  heart,  neither  did  it  well 
befit  the  sacred  character  of  the  place.  If  they  would  have 
the  thing  done  as  it  should  be,  I  would  commend  them  to 
the  Boston  Brass  Band. 

According  to  the  principles  of  internal  evidence 
it  may  be  determined  that  the  critical  writer  of  the 
article  was  a  woman.  She  had  an  ear  for  music, 
for  she  liked  the  oratorical  flow  of  the  Greek  verses, 
despite  the  fact,  as  she  modestly  phrases  it,  that  she 
"  could  scarcely  make  out  the  sense  of  a  single 
line." 

Readers  nowadays  will  be  surprised  to  learn  that 
the  commencement  exercises  wxre  held  in  a  Church 
building  belonging  to  the  corporation  of  Trinity. 
From  another  article,  printed  soon  after,  it  will 
appear  that  the  occupancy  of  the  Church  was  ap- 
parently unprecedented;  it  will  be  seen  also  that  the 
music — at  which  ofifence  was  taken — found  advo- 
cates in  its  behalf.  An  epistolary  contribution  is 
published  in  the  Evening  Star : 

COLUMBIA  COLLEGE. 

Messrs.  Editors: — Having  observed  no  notice  in  your 
valuable  journal  of  the  late  Commencement  of  Columbia 
College,  and  thinking  that  some  remarks  thereon  may  be 
as  interesting  to  some  of  your  readers,  as  they  are  due  to 
the  reputation  and  intrinsic  merits  of  an  Alma  Mater, 
which  has  reared  her  head  above  all  difficulties  and  dis- 
couragements among  the  prouder  seminaries  of  our  land, 
allow  me,  though  it  be  with  a  feeble  hand,  to  dwell  for  a 
few  minutes  on  its  late  celebration.  Some  such  notice 
appears  to  be  the  more  needed  as  in  one  respect  at  least, 


l^RIEST-MUSICIAN 


29 


unmerited  censure  has  been  passed  upon  it  by  many  of 
your  contemporaries.  I  refer  to  the  music.  It  has  been 
said  that  a  poor  and  meagre  band  "  supplied  the  place 
of  the  "  rich  and  powerful  organ  "  of  St.  John's  Chapel. 
Be  it  known  to  the  good  citizens,  in  extenuation  of  this, 
that  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  the  chapel 
could  be  procured  at  all  for  the  exercises  of  the  day;  and 
that  when  procured,  it  was  only  given  one  short  week 
previous  to  the  anniversary,  and  even  then  with  an  ill 
grace  unbecoming  the  grantor.  Of  course  it  was  out  of 
the  question  to  suppose  that  an  efTective  choir  could  be 
engaged  and  rich  music  prepared  in  the  space  of  one 
week;  and  as  the  Church  was  again  and  again  refused  by 
the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  early  in  the  month  of  August, 
the  senior  class  were  forced  to  turn  their  attention  to 
other  sources  than  the  sacred  music  of  the  Church.  Let 
the  blame  then,  if  any  blame  there  be,  fall  upon  those 
who  refused  the  use  of  the  Church  until  it  was  too  late  to 
engage  music  appropriate  to  the  place. 

But  again,  when  before  was  the  rich  music  of  Gam- 
bati's  trumpet  called  "  poor? "  When  before  were  the 
"  Remembrances  of  Mozart,"  the  "  Overture  to  the  Mes- 
siah," "  Von  Weber's  Last  Waltz,"  and  similar  strains, 
as  performed  by  a  large  and  skilful  band,  censured  as 
being  "meagre  and  weak?"  Surely  some  strange  in- 
fatuation has  taken  hold  of  our  New  York  critics.  The 
music,  for  intrinsic  beauty  and  execution,  was  rarely  so 
effective  as  at  the  late  Commencement. 

Besides,  an  organ  sounds  very  poorly  unless  accom- 
panied by  a  powerful  choir.  To  engage  one  which  would 
do  honor  to  the  occasion  would  insure  an  additional 
expense  of  near  250  dollars,  while  the  very  finest  instru- 
mental music  would  not  cost  more  than  100  dollars. 
This  is  some  object  when  it  is  remembered  that  the  ex- 
penses of  Commencement  are  not  less  than  $600,  as  we 
know  by  former  experience,  exclusive  of  the  dinner  of 
the  senior  class — all  which  expense  is  borne  by  the  gradu- 
ating class,  with  the  pitiful  exception  of  $140,  which  sum 


30 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


is  presented  by  the  College.  Let  them  not  censure,  then, 
the  seniors  for  inappropriate  music,  at  least  until  the  Col- 
lege increase  their  donation  and  pay  their  moiety  of  the 
expense. 

Let  us  glance  for  a  moment  at  a  subject  more  pleasing 
— the  literary  exercises  of  the  day.  They  were  such  as  to 
do  full  credit  to  the  untarnished  fame  of  old  Columbia. 
The  example  so  nobly  set  forth  to  the  other  universities 
of  our  country,  we  believe  for  the  first  time,  by  the  gradu- 
ating class  of  1836,  in  exhibiting  their  classical  attain- 
ments by  a  Greek  and  Latin  poem,  was  worthily  followed 
up  on  Tuesday  last,  reflecting  no  less  honor  on  Messrs. 
Addis  and  Blatchford,  than  exhibiting  in  a  marked  light, 
the  abilities  and  attention  of  without  doubt  the  greatest 
classical  scholar  of  our  country,  Prof.  Charles  Anthon. 
Her  classical  advantages  have  always  been  the  boast  of 
Columbia  College,  and  fully  have  they  been  realized. 

Among  the  pieces  exhibited  were  many  that  struck 
us  as  peculiarly  beautiful  both  in  thought  and  expres- 
sion.   .    .  . 

An  oration  on  "  The  Limit  of  Civilization,"  was  hap- 
pily conceived,  beautifully  written  and  feelingly  delivered 
by  Mr.  John  I.  Tucker.  We  like  to  see  young  men  car- 
ried away  by  the  enthusiasm  of  their  subjects.  It  shows 
that  their  hearts  are  not  rendered  callous  to  all  noble 
excitement  by  contact  with  the  world.  Well  may  their 
Alma  Mater  be  proud  of  her  sons,  if  all  she  yearly  sends 
forth  from  her  venerable  portals,  advance  upon  the  stage 
of  life,  with  the  talent  and  the  feelings  that  were  displayed 
on  Tuesday.    .    .  . 

No  reason  has  old  Columbia  to  hang  her  head  at  her 
late  anniversary.  Long  may  her  fame  and  the  abilities 
of  her  graduates  attract  the  attention  of  the  fair,  the  ven- 
erable and  the  great.  Long  may  she  be  honored  and 
revered  as  the  Alma  Mater  of  names  distinguished  alike 
in  the  walks  of  private  and  public  life— at  the  bar,  in  the 
pulpit — in  the  senate  house. 

Long  may  she  remain  the  pride  of  our  city,  unsur- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


31 


passed  in  the  various  departments  of  literature,  unequalled 
for  the  reputation  and  abilities  of  its  Faculty,  and  for  its 
opportunities  of  a  classical  education. 

H. 

It  seems  only  rightful  that  the  topic  of  music 
should  be  discussed  in  connection  with  the  Com- 
mencement at  which  John  I.  Tucker  was  graduated. 

As  to  the  two  opinions  about  the  performance: 

H  "  shows  by  his  reference  to  the  "  rich  music  of 
Gambati's  trumpet  "  that  he  was  yet  in  a  certain 
preliminary  stage  of  musical  development  akin  to 
that  of  parishes  or  concert  audiences  wherein  the 
cornet  is  accounted  the  choicest  instrument  for  solo 
use.  So  it  was  once  with  reference  to  the  trumpet. 
Time  was  when  the  latter  was  called  for  on  all 
occasions  where  music  had  high  place.  The 
hearers  of  stalwart  nerve  waived  the  objectionable 
blare,  and  considered  themselves  fortunate  posses- 
sors and  encouragers  of  lofty  art.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  independent  thinker  who  writes  the  first 
article  had  nerves  of  her  own,  and  so  called  for  the 
Boston  Brass  Band  itself. 

Having  graduated  with  credit,  our  young  man 
begins  to  take  a  place  in  society,  to  make  his  mark 
in  the  social  world,  remembered  to  this  day. 

At  the  same  time  the  attention  is  directed  to 
topics  higher  and  more  serious.  On  the  23rd  of 
September,  1838,  his  grandmother  writes: 

I  believe  my  grandfather,  John  Ayscough,  was  the  first 
Missionary  that  was  sent  out  to  this  country  after  Quebec 
was  taken  by  the  English;  after  that  he  was  Dean  of 


Bristol.  ...  I  see  at  times  that  his  prayers  were 
heard,  at  the  throne  of  grace,  in  my  behalf,  and  that  I 
now  receive  a  blessing  from;  I  know  of  no  other  that 
ever  put  up  a  prayer  for  me.  I  hope  my  dear  Son,  your 
mind  is  fixed  for  the  ministry.  God  intends  you  for  it. 
You  have  my  prayers  for  you.  They  may  be  heard  when 
I  am  laid  in  the  dust.  May  you,  like  me,  look  back  and 
say — "  My  grandmother's  prayer  is  heard  in  my  behalf," 
as  my  dear  old  father's  was  for  me.  My  father  was  a 
surgeon  of  the  British  service;  was  stationed  on  Gover- 
nor's Island.  He  died  in  the  year  1761.  My  uncle,  Capt. 
James  Ayscough,  in  the  time  of  the  revolutionary  war, 
had  command  of  the  ship  "  Swan  ";  in  an  attempt  to  land 
on  Long  Island,  he  lost  his  leg.  He  retired;  had  a  fine 
family.  His  son  is  now  in  the  British  navy.  He  had  a 
daughter  by  the  name  of  Harriet,  about  the  age  of  your 
mother. 

Your  affectionate  grandmother 

A.  Sands 

So  good  Saint  Ann  "  patron  of  the  Brooklyn 
parish,  makes  her  petition.  It  is  well  known  that 
the  mother  also  had  hopes  that  her  boy  would  enter 
the  ministry.  One  of  the  pet  names  chosen  by  her 
to  designate  him  will  show  the  constant  wish  of  her 
heart. 

It  will  appear,  however,  that  the  young  man  had 
not  yet  made  up  his  mind.  Doubts  must  inter- 
vene, uncertainties  about  his  vocation.  There  was 
to  be  a  balancing  of  many  questions  before  a  deci- 
sion could  be  reached. 

The  father  said,  "  Let  the  boy  go  out  and  see 
the  world.  Let  him  judge  for  himself  and  then 
decide." 

With  brief  delay  the  parental  prescription  was 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


33 


carried  out  with  a  completeness  unusual  in  human 
experience,  whether  of  earlier  or  later  times.  Even 
now,  when  Americans  are  on  the  move  continually, 
when  a  considerable  fraction  of  them  cross  the 
great  water  every  spring  or  summer,  it  is  not  cus- 
tomary to  undertake  a  tour  so  grand  that  it  shall 
occupy  two  years  in  the  doing. 

Preparations  were  in  progress.  It  was  agreed 
that  young  Samuel  B.  Whitlock,  a  college  class- 
mate, should  be  a  travelling  companion,  but  the 
father  wished  that  some  older  head  should  be  in 
the  party,  to  act  as  adviser  of  the  little  company. 
Dr.  Seabury  and  others  were  approached  with  the 
inquiry  whether  one  or  another  would  care  to  un- 
dertake the  trip.  Among  the  rest  Dr.  Muhlen- 
berg was  asked.    His  reply  is  at  hand: 

My  Dear  John: 

From  my  continued  connection  with  the  Institute — 
which  probably  you  have  noticed  in  the  papers — I  fear 
you  and  our  friend  Whitlock  have  inferred  that  my  going 
to  Europe  has  been  all  a  jest.  Such,  however,  is  not  the 
case.  I  scarcely  hoped  at  any  time  to  sail  this  fall;  and 
my  renewed  superintendence  of  the  Institute  (in  which  I 
have  engaged  rather  than  allow  the  school  to  be  dis- 
banded, to  the  disappointment  of  a  number  who  calcu- 
lated on  its  continuance  until  the  opening  of  the  College) 
will  last  no  longer  than  the  spring,  when  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  realize  the  pleasure  so  long  desired  of  seeing  the 
old  world.  This,  however,  will  still  depend  upon  the  con- 
tingency of  my  success  in  regard  to  the  erection  of  the 
College.  I  expect  to  see  the  building  resumed  early  in 
the  spring,  so  that  it  may  be  continued  and  finished  in 
my  absence.  In  this  I  may  be  disappointed,  and  my 
voyage  again  be  postponed— for  I  could  not  leave  the 


3 


country  until  things  were  in  train  for  the  completion  of 
the  College.  Too  much  time  would  be  lost  if  that  were 
to  be  begun  a/Ur  my  return  from  Europe.  I  am  \n  great 
hopes  of  being  able  to  get  off  in  the  spring,  but  I  cannot 
speak  with  any  more  certainty.  I  have  thought  it  proper 
to  state  the  case  to  you,  in  order  that  if  you  are  in  earnest 
in  wishing  to  accompany  me,  you  may  calculate  accord- 
ingly. If  you  meet  with  an  earlier  or  more  certain  oppor- 
tunity, I  would  advise  you  to  take  it;  but  you  must  not 
misunderstand  me  in  saying  this,  to  imply  that  I  should 
not  regret  the  loss  of  your  company — on  that  point  you 
need  have  no  doubt.  If  you  are  satisfied  with  7ity  com- 
pany, I  certainly  shall  be  with  yours  ;  but  the  former,  I 
suspect,  requires  a  little  more  consideration  than  you  have 
given  it.  Two  gay  young  fellows  going  to  see  the  world, 
under  the  conduct  of  a  parson,  are  not  likely  to  have  all 
the  enjoyment  they  anticipate.  Not,  of  course,  that  I 
would  expect  you  to  restrict  yourselves  in  the  way  of 
amusements,  etc.,  to  what  I  might  think  proper  for  my- 
self: but  still,  I  fear  that  we  might  differ  sometimes  on 
questions  of  propriety.  But  of  this  we  can  talk  more, 
when  we  meet,  should  you  still  think  of  waiting  my  uncer- 
tain movements. 

Remember  me  kindly  to  Sam,  and  believe  me 
Sincerely,  with  much  affection,  yours 

Wm.  Augustus  Muhlenberg. 

PiTTSFiELD,  Mass. 
Sept.  4,  1837. 

I  expect  to  reach  Flushing  by  Wednesday  next. 

The  revered  instructor  and  friend  was  sorely  dis- 
appointed. He  had  to  abandon  all  thought  of 
travel  on  account  of  the  death  of  his  only  and  be- 
loved brother,  who  had  become  his  coworker  at 
Flushing.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  had  to  wait  six  years 
before  he  could  find  realization  of  his  hope  to  visit 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


35 


Europe,  and  then  he  went  abroad  only  for  a  brief 
summer  hohday. 

The  Tucker  contingent  intermitted  not  their 
preparations.  No  co-traveUer,  who  would  at  the 
same  time  fill  the  place  of  director,  could  be  found. 
At  last  said  the  father:  "  Let  these  two  boys  go  by 
themselves;  if  they  are  not  now  old  enough  to  take 
care  of  themselves  they  never  will  be."  So  it  was 
determined. 

While  the  plans  were  making,  the  attention  of 
the  future  voyagers  was  directed  to  the  possible 
benefits  and  satisfaction  to  be  derived  from  the 
keeping  of  a  daily  journal.  To  Mr.  Tucker  a  con- 
nection writes  at  length  upon  the  topic,  giving 
explicit  suggestion.  One  part  of  his  letter  runs 
thus:  "  Keep  a  journal  of  everything  you  see  and 
hear.  Let  this  be  done  every  day.  Do  not  post- 
pone it  from  day  to  day  with  the  hope  of  posting 
up  at  the  end  of  the  week.  If  3'ou  do  so,  the  in- 
terest and  much  of  the  benefit  to  be  derived  from 
it  will  be  lost.  The  advantages  of  keeping  a  jour- 
nal are  so  great  that  I  would  urge  you  particularly 
to  attend  to  it.  It  will  improve  your  habit  of 
observation." 

The  date  of  the  letter,  April  31,  1838,  will  help 
to  fix  the  time  of  the  commencement  of  the  grand 
tour  as  presumably  in  the  spring  of  that  year.  Then 
began  the  long-continued  wanderings  over  the  con- 
tinent of  Europe,  including  the  less  frequented 
pathways  in  the  Holy  Land,  in  Egypt,  and  wher- 
ever there  was  something  to  be  learned.  Mr. 
Tucker  made  a  temporary  residence  in  Paris,  and 


36 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


again  in  Italy,  that  he  might  study  the  languages 
of  the  respective  countries  under  competent  in- 
structors. In  the  former  capital  he  paid  attention 
to  the  cultivation  of  the  voice,  under  the  tutelage 
of  Lablache.  So  impressed  was  the  instructor  with 
the  ability  of  the  pupil  that  he  urged  the  young 
man  to  prepare  for  the  operatic  stage. 

The  suggestions  about  a  journal  were  remem- 
bered and  reduced  to  practice.  By  way  of  witness 
we  find  two  fragments,  portions  of  journals  of 
travel,  among  the  manuscript  papers  now  pre- 
served.   Would  that  there  were  more! 


IV 


THE  FIRST  JOURNAL  OF  TRAVEL 

It  would  be  interesting  to  note  the  many  and 
diversified  details  of  the  grand  tour,  of  phenomenal 
extent,  but  our  attention  must  be  limited  to  a  small 
fraction  of  the  whole.  Fortunate  it  is  that  we  have 
any  record. 

The  earlier  of  the  two  journals  is  included  in 
a  little  book  whose  pages  are  closely  covered  with 
manuscript.  In  these  the  traveller  sets  down  his 
daily  doings  in  so  far  as  they  relate  to  portions 
of  the  months  from  April  to  August  of  the  year 
1839,  passed  in  the  Orient  and  along  the  Danube.' 
The  entries  in  the  journal  are  especially  valuable, 
as  they  take  the  place  of  letters,  ordinarily  relied 
upon  as  the  basis  of  biography.  Herein  the 
voyager  tells  his  own  story. 

Already  does  it  become  apparent  that  the  young 
student  has  an  opinion  of  his  own;  he  goes  back  of 
human  actions  and  considers  the  explaining  mo- 
tive.   On  the  29th  of  April,  at  Cairo,  he  writes: 

Accompanied  by  a  Janissary  we  visited  the  Citadel.  It 
is  situated  on  a  projecting  point  of  Mount  Mokattam,  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  town.  After  passing  the  mosque 
of  Sultan  Hassan,  you  commence  an  easy  ascent  to  the 
grand  gateway,  passing  near  the  spot  on  which  was  per- 


38 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


petrated  the  massacre  of  the  unfortunate  Mamelukes,  In 
considering  the  deed,  so  bloody  and  cruel  in  appearance, 
we  should  remember  the  cause  that  prompted  the  act, 
and  the  circumstances  that  compelled  the  manner  in 
which  the  act  was  accomplished.  Mahomet  Ali,  by  fore- 
thought and  perseverance  had  placed  himself  in  the  situa- 
tion to  which  his  ambition  had  long  spurred  him  on;  his 
enemies  were  all  vanquished,  save  the  single  band  of 
"  white  slaves."  He  had  none  to  fear  but  them,  but  they 
were  sufficient  to  deprive  him  of  his  hard-earned  posses- 
sion. In  open  warfare,  they  were  invincible;  their  de- 
struction was  necessary  for  the  protection  of  his  throne 
and  life.  Secret  means,  treachery  could  alone  effect  the 
object.  The  mind  untutored  by  religion's  pure  law  is 
not  liable  to  judge  correctly  of  moral  questions.  Means 
to  an  end  were  not  weighed  by  the  rules  of  Christianity. 
The  end  was  necessary — the  means  so  far  good  as  they 
effected  the  end. 

We  went  through  the  Palace.  The  Divan  was  a  large 
room  about  140  feet  long.  The  furniture  of  the  whole 
palace  reminded  us  all  of  the  decorations  of  a  country 
ball-room.  The  ceiling  was  decorated  with  paintings 
furnished  by  Greeks,  generally  representing  the  Pacha's 
fleet.  They  are  now  putting  up  in  all  the  rooms,  hand- 
some chandeliers.  The  passages  are  lined  with  Egyptian 
alabaster,  which  has  a  rich  appearance.  In  the  large 
room,  there  is  nothing  but  a  divan  all  around  the  room, 
except  a  place  on  the  side  near  the  door,  which  is  a  kind 
of  throne,  or  platform  with  a  low  railing,  on  which  the 
Pacha  reclines  when  receiving  company.  From  the  win- 
dows of  the  Divan,  you  obtain  a  fine  view  of  Cairo  and 
the  environs. 

In  the  Citadel  the  Pacha  is  building  a  splendid  Mosque 
of  Egyptian  alabaster;  the  stone  is  rather  too  coarse. 
The  Mint  is  as  rude  in  its  working  as  the  metal  is  bad; 
in  the  gold  coin  there  is  about  75  per  cent,  of  alloy;  the. 

pressing  out  "  of  the  metal  is  done  by  oxen.  The  men 
leave  their  work,  and  join  the  usual  cry  for  "  bakshish." 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


39 


There  are  three  or  four  pillars  left  of  Joseph's  Hall. 
The  Pacha  is  at  present  building  another  edifice  on  its 
site.  Joseph's  Well,  or  the  Well  of  Saladin  is  more  singu- 
lar for  its  size  and  depth  than  its  good  water;  at  the  top 
it  is  45  feet  in  circumference;  the  depth  is  270  feet;  you 
descend  120  feet  by  a  kind  of  road,  when  you  arrive  at  the 
first  wheel,  which  is  turned  by  oxen. 

The  Mosque  of  Sultan  Hassan  was  visited  next  in  order. 
We  were  obliged  to  take  off  our  shoes,  as  in  our  churches 
we  would  remove  the  hat.  W^e  proceeded  through  a 
narrow  passage,  dirty  and  gloomy,  ornamented  with  a 
few  wooden  lanterns  and  ostrich  eggs.  In  a  short  time 
we  arrived  at  a  door  leading  to  a  court.  Here  we  removed 
our  shoes,  and  found  ourselves  in  a  wide  court,  in  the 
middle  of  which  was  a  large  fountain.  Opposite  the  door 
by  which  we  entered,  was  a  covered  passage;  along  that 
side  of  the  court,  there  was  a  pulpit,  from  which  on 
Friday,  the  priest  leads  the  prayers  and  adorations.  Near 
the  side  of  the  pulpit  is  a  door  leading  to  what  appears 
more  like  a  Church  than  any  other  part  of  the  building. 
In  the  centre  is  the  tomb  of  the  Sultan,  which  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  railing.  The  ornaments  of  this  chamber 
are  exceedingly  rude,  approximating  however  to  the 
Gothic  style.  On  the  floor,  several  spots  were  pointed 
out  to  us,  as  the  blood  of  the  i^Iamelukes.  One  of  our 
friends  who  could  not  remove  his  boots  without  taking 
off  his  French  pantaloons,  soon  after  we  left  him  made 
his  appearance  with  rags  about  his  feet.  With  all  the 
toleration  and  kindness  of  Mahomet  Ali,  there  is  still 
some  difficulty  ir  visiting  the  mosques,  without  the  pro- 
tection of  a  Janissary,  as  nothing  can  remove  the  violence 
of  a  fanatic. 

Mad-house.  Going  through  a  small  passage  off  the 
Bazaars,  we  entered  an  open  court  around  which  were 
cells.  There  was  a  maniac  in  each  cell.  They  were  all 
miserably  clad  each  with  a  chain  about  his  neck.  One 
poor  fellow,  a  mere  skeleton,  appeared  to  droop  under 
the  weight  of  the  iron  collar,  which  hung  round  his  deli- 


40 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


cate  neck.  A  Nubian  struck  us  all  with  the  dignity  of 
his  air;  it  appears  that  he  had,  unprovoked,  killed  two 
men,  one  after  the  other.  Even  here  we  heard  the  univer- 
sal cry  of  Arabs  "  Bakshish."  The  Pacha  formerly  had 
a  band  of  Arab  musicians  to  play  for  the  amusement  of 
the  poor  lunatics.  Instead  of  bettering  the  condition  of 
the  inmates  of  the  Asylum,  by  the  introduction  of  cleanli- 
ness, kindness,  freedom,  etc. — the  main  features  in  the 
management  of  similar  institutions  in  Europe — he  satis- 
fied himself  by  merely  taking  up  something  which  struck 
him  as  being  exceedingly  singular.  The  rude,  Arab 
music!  The  persuasive  notes  of  Orpheus  themselves, 
would  find  a  Herculean  task  to  tranquillize  the  wretches 
that  here  wear  away  a  miserable  existence.  By  particular 
favor,  and  by  our  providing  some  rolls  of  bread  to  bestow 
upon  the  women,  we  were  admitted  to  the  "  female  de- 
partment," which  was  much  worse  than  the  one  we  had 
just  visited.  One  poor  creature  really  had  nothing  on 
her,  except  the  iron  chain.  We  were  more  startled  by 
what  we  saw  here,  from  the  circumstance  of  our  having 
visited  previously  the  Pacha's  lions  and  double-horned 
rhinoceros,  which  had  princely  habitations  in  comparison 
with  the  filthy  asylum  of  these  poor,  unfortunate  beings. 

Slave  Market.  The  same  disgusting  sight  as  at  Alex- 
andria! Here  however  we  saw  some  Abyssinian  ladies, 
quite  pretty  as  well  as  costly — $1000 — or  $500 — perhaps. 
These  young  women  appeared  quite  happy,  and  anxious 
to  fascinate  a  "  Frank." 

April  30th.  Went  to  Tourah,  and  the  quarries  in  the 
neighborhood,  from  which  the  stone  was  procured  for 
the  Pyramids.  They  are  now  worked  by  the  Pacha,  who 
has  constructed  a  railroad  in  the  neighborhood  to  carry 
the  stone  to  the  water.  This  railroad  is  perhaps  one  of 
the  best  in  the  world,  but  executed  at  an  enormous  ex- 
pense; the  Pacha  instead  of  importing  iron  from  England 
for  i8  a  ton  is  content  to  manufacture  it  for  £40.  A 
singular  policy — independent,  no  doubt,  but  certainly  an 
expensive  system! 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


41 


At  Tourah  is  a  military  school  for  Cadets.  The  young 
men  were  engaged  in  drawing  designs  in  engineering, 
and  going  through  demonstrations  of  Euclid  and  calcu- 
lations of  Algebra.  They  study  ten  hours  a  day;  the 
teachers  are  Turks,  the  principal  a  Frenchman.  Every- 
thing, their  dormitories,  kitchen,  eating  room,  accoutre- 
ments, are  extremely  neat  and  cleanly.  Through  the 
carelessness  and  ignorance  of  our  Janissary,  we  could  not 
find  the  Petrified  Forest. 

There  are  entries  made  in  the  beginning  of  ^lay, 
first  about  the  experience  of  a  "  horrible  wind,"  by 
means  of  which  some  thirty  or  forty  vessels  were 
lost,  houses  blown  down,  and  lives  destroyed; 
again,  about  the  performance  given  by  a  famous 
Algerine  conjurer,  professing  occult  power,  who 
had  deceived  many,  but  who  proved  himself  a  mere 
charlatan.  The  next  entry  records  the  traveller's 
observation  anent  the  pioneer  of  the  recent  incu- 
bating machine: 

May  3rd.  In  company  with  Capt.  McC.  -nd  his  mate, 
we  visited  today  the  chicken  ovens  at  Ghi-reh.  To  get 
into  them,  we  crept  through  a  small  hole,  ?nd  found  our- 
selves in  an  extremely  warm  and  "  fieay  "  place,  a  chamber 
about  20  feet  long  and  five  wide.  On  one  side  were  ovens 
or  small  chambers,  in  which  eggs  were  deposited;  some 
were  bursting  the  shell,  others  not  so  far  advanced.  On 
the  other  side  of  the  passage  were  chickens  just  hatched, 
others  three  o-  four  weeks  old.  They  manufacture  4000 
a  month,  and  are  employed  all  the  year  with  the  excep- 
tion of  four  months.  The  chickens  are  all  small,  as  is 
the  case  with  the  eggs  in  Egypt,  which  may  account  for 
the  curious  system  of  making  hens. 

The  Cavalry  School,  at  the  same  place,  is  well  worth 
visiting.    It  being  Friday — their  Sunday  or  Holyday— the 


42 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


cadets  were  nearly  all  absent  The  school  is  under  the 
charge  of  a  Frenchman,  and  is  complete  in  rvery  respect. 
They  have  a  class  in  wind  instruments.  The  horses  are 
in  good  order,  everything  clean.  The  uniform  is  a  green 
coat,  ornamented  with  gold  lace,  and  European  panta- 
loons, made  extremely  full,  of  red  cloth,  with  boots;  it  is 
really  quite  pretty.  At  old  Cairo,  we  visited  the  ancient 
Church  of  the  Copts,  in  which  they  show  a  spot,  where — 
they  say — the  Holy  Family  reposed  in  their  "  Flight." 

4th,  Dined  with  Dr.  Abbott;  a  real  Arab  or  rather 
Turkish  dinner — fingers  instead  of  forks,  etc.  Intro- 
duced to  the  room  of  the  Egyptian  Library,  a  capital 
collection  of  books  on  Egypt.  Rosonelli's  drawings  and 
paintings  of  the  Tombs,  etc. 

5th.  Furnished  by  Dr.  Abbott  with  tickets  for  the 
Amateur  Theatre  here.  The  room  is  exceedingly  well 
arranged;  sufficiently  small  to  secure  a  full  house.  There 
was  much  beauty  among  the  Levantine  women.  The 
play  was  an  Italian  farce,  extremely  well  acted.  There 
were  a  man  and  a  pretty  modest-looking  girl,  who  were 
public  actors. 

6th.  Tomb  of  Mahomet  AH,  or  rather  of  his  family. 
Much  to  our  surprise,  we  found  it  all  carpeted  and  ar- 
ranged with  divans.  There  were  several  tombs.  Instead 
of  the  turban,  we  noticed  the  "  tarboush  "  cut  in  stone, 
and  placed  on  the  exterior  of  the  tomb,  or  on  the  head- 
stone. The  tombs  themselves  were  gaudily  painted;  but 
notwithstanding  this,  I  was  taken  with  all  of  it.  Here 
was  no  breaking  of  the  social  ties;  no  committing  the 
body  of  a  beloved  friend  to  the  sole  company  of  gnawing 
worms.  Here  was  a  retreat,  in  which  to  mourn  over  a 
beloved  parent,  a  faithful  friend.  It  removes  the  gloomy 
thought  of  death;  it  keeps  in  remembrance  the  deceased. 
On  our  way  home,  we  passed  round  the  other  side  of 
the  Citadel,  and  visited  the  tombs  of  the  Caliphs  and 
Mamelukes. 

7th.  Rode  out  to  Shoubra  Gardens — a  perfect  Para- 
dise!   Met  the  Pacha's  post,  going  along  on  a  donkey. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


43 


The  gardens  are  beautiful,  laid  out  in  French  taste.  The 
Palace  which  the  Pacha  is  now  building  or  repairing, 
is  exceedingly  beautiful  and  well  adapted  for  a  summer 
residence.  It  is  built  in  a  square,  forming  a  simple  colon- 
nade, with  rooms  at  each  corner.  The  palace  is  to  be 
lighted  with  gas.  It  is  tastefully  gilded,  and  ornamented 
with  paintings  executed  by  Greek  artists.  The  columns 
are  of  Oriental  alabaster,  the  pavement  of  white  marble. 
Near  this  palace,  we  saw  ostriches  and  some  gazelles.  In 
the  neighborhood  of  the  gardens,  the  elephants  are  kept, 
which  were  presented  to  the  Pacha  by  the  East  India 
Company.  The  Pacha  doesn't  like  the  present  much; 
too  expensive  to  keep  the  animals!  He  has  endeavored 
to  make  them  of  use  by  carrying  a  steam-engine  over  to 
Suez;  but  it  was  "  no  go  "!  the  animals  could  not  move  it. 

8th.  Went  through  the  principal  factories  at  Boulak — 
manufactories  of  arms,  cotton,  hardware,  etc.  The  steam- 
engine  has  been  found  not  to  answer,  and  was  conse- 
quently given  up,  for  manual  labor,  three  or  four  days 
ago.  There  is  great  difficulty  in  keeping  the  engine  m 
order,  in  consequence  of  the  sand  which  is  almost  always 
in  the  air,  and  the  great  liability  to  rust  to  which  iron  is 
subjected;  something  quite  singular  in  this  dry  climate! 
Then  again,  there  is  much  expense.  To  work  an  engine 
of  twenty  horse  power,  costs  per  day  i6,  wh&reas  the 
labor  of  300  men  costs  but  £4,  the  highest  wages  being 
four  piasters  a  day  or  twenty  cents.  The  moving  power 
is  generally  or  universally,  oxen.  Throughout  the  dif- 
ferent establishments,  a  cleanliness  and  niceness  were 
observable. 

Two  days  were  spent  in  preparations  for  leaving. 
On  the  eleventh  they  departed,  bound  for  Alex- 
andria.   The  journal  continues: 

On  the  river  the  Pacha's  steamer,  being  aground,  en- 
deavored to  seduce  some  of  our  men,  promising  to  tow 


44 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


us  to  Atfih  if  we  could  give  them  assistance;  but  we  were 
too  much  of  Yankees  to  be  seduced  by  an  Arab's  promise, 
and  left  them  to  get  off  as  well  as  possible  with  their 
own  labor.  We  arrived  at  Alexandria,  at  midnight  of 
the  14th. 

15th.  Early  in  the  morning,  left  our  boat  and  went  to 
the  Hotel  d'Europe.  All  full!  Obliged  to  go  to  Hill's 
Hotel,  kept  by  Reynolds,  situated  pleasantly  out  of  town. 
They  say  that  it  is  an  unhealthy  place;  commodious  and 
clean.  Today  young  Glidden  dined  with  us — a  clever 
fellow! 

i6th.  A  large  party  of  us  went  on  board  the  Pacha's 
corvette  and  one  of  the  ship  of  the  line.  They  were  in 
beautiful  order,  the  accommodations  for  the  officers  good 
but  small.  The  decks  are  so  arranged  as  to  be  very  con- 
venient for  action.  Visited  the  palace  to  see  the  Pacha, 
but  it  was  too  late;  however,  we  had  a  sight  of  him  sitting 
on  a  divan  near  the  window,  apparently  earnestly  engaged 
in  conversation.    The  plague  has  broken  out. 

17th.  Left  in  the  French  steamer,  with  45  passengers. 
Found  on  board  an  American,  a  Mr.  Calhoun,  a  mis- 
sionary. i8th.  The  weather  continues  delightful;  no  sea. 
19th.  Weather  still  pleasant.  A  great  contrast  to  what 
we  experienced  on  our  voyage  from  Civita  Vecchia  to 
Scyra.  Mr.  Calhoun  we  find  an  agreeable  companion;  in 
fact,  our  company  is  as  agreeable  as  we  could  wish. 

20th.  Arrived  at  Scyra  at  4  o'clock.  Quarantined  for 
14  days,  our  passage  included,  in  consequence  of  the 
plague  at  Alexandria.  Before  we  left,  a- person  said  he 
had  seen  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  had  died  from  the 
plague.  Two  men  proceeded  in  advance,  with  swords 
drawn,  and  another  with  a  wand,  crying  out  in  a  loud 
voice  to  keep  away. 

2ist.  Still  at  Scyra.  The  Lazaretto  here  is  so  bad  that  we 
shall  all  go  to  Athens,  with  the  exception  of  Clot  Bey  and 
others  who  sail  for  Malta.  In  the  evening,  left  for  the 
Piraeus;  arrived  there  early  in  the  morning  of  the  22nd. 
At  nine  o'clock  we  understand  that  we  had  17  days  to 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


45 


perform  quarantine.  At  twelve  o'clock,  left  for  our  new 
quarters,  situated  behind  the  Custom  House.  Here  we 
found  everything  much  better  than  we  had  anticipated; 
the  rooms  are  small  for  two  or  three  persons,  but  at  the 
same  time  convenient,  furnished  with  beds,  bedstead  and 
sheets.  We  have  a  pier  about  40  feet  long,  which  affords 
us  a  pleasant  place  for  exercise.  Everything  is  extremely 
neat  about  the  establishment.  In  front  of  the  middle  of 
the  house  is  the  "  Parlertorium,"  a  small,  covered  place, 
divided  by  three  partitions.  Communication  with  your 
friends  is  carried  on  through  two  sets  of  bars  of  iron. 
Along  the  front  of  the  establishment,  a  few  flowers  are 
cultivated.  We  divided  the  rooms  amongst  eight  of  us, 
and  are  comfortably  settled  for  13  or  14  days.  Each  room 
has  a  guardian,  under  whose  special  charge  are  its  in- 
mates. You  don't  stir  without  being  faithfully  attended 
by  him,  as  a  prisoner  by  his  gaoler. 

22nd.  Mr.  Hill  was  here  this  morning,  waiting  for  his 
wife,  whom  he  expects  daily  from  Constantinople.  Mr. 
Benjamin  and  Mr.  King  likewise  called  to  see  us  this 
morning. 

23rd.  Mrs.  Hill  has  arrived,  in  a  small  vessel  chartered 
at  Scyra.  A  most  ludicrous  sight — the  reception  of  her 
ladyship  by  her  husband,  who  could  not  come  within  six 
feet  of  her,  without  subjecting  himself  to  quarantine.  24th. 
Our  prison  is  becoming  quite  gay.  Mrs.  Hill's  friends 
are  here  constantly.  Lady  C,  Mr.  Leeds,  Captain  Forbes 
and  hosts  of  children  are  here  frequently.  We  have 
brought  a  restaurateur  into  quarantine  and  two  servants, 
and  consequently  make  out  very  well.  25th.  We  find 
our  time  well  employed  in  reading,  writing,  eating  and 
sleeping. 

28th.  On  this  day  we  had  a  slight  shock  of  earthquake, 
I  believe  it  is  an  everyday  occurrence  in  the  Morea.  It 
afforded  some  excitement,  and  therefore  was  better  than 
nothing. 

31st.  This  afternoon  we  left  our  quarters  at  quarantine 
and  our  English  friends.    I  hope  I  may  never  see  the 


46 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


former  again;  the  latter,  it  would  afford  me  much  pleasure 
to  meet.  As  for  Mr.  Calhoun,  our  Missionary  at  Smyrna, 
we  like  him  better  each  day.  He  is  certainly  an  estimable 
man — I  might  almost  say  faultle3S,  for  so  I  believe  he  is. 
Mr.  Hill  came  alongside  to  bid  us  good-bye.  We  had 
a  delightful  sail;  passed  by  the  tomb  of  Agam.emnon. 
^gina,  once  the  rival  of  Athens,  the  place  where  they  say 
money  was  first  coined,  was  seen  in  the  distance.  June 
1st.  Arrived  at  Scyra  at  four  o'clock  this  morning;  our 
fourth  visit  to  this  curious  place.  A  grand  fete-day  in 
honor  of  the  King's  saint.  A  royal  salute  was  fired  from 
the  Greek  gunboat,  and  from  the  five  steamers  (four 
French  and  one  Austrian)  lying  in  the  harbor.  The 
steamers  all  hoisted  their  national  colors,  and  gave  the 
harbor  a  gay  appearance.  We  went  on  shore  at  eight 
o'clock.  The  Greeks  were  making  preparations  for  a 
glorious  time.  Processions  etc.  were  getting  under  way. 
Met  Mr.  Perdicaris  our  Consul  at  Athens,  who  has  just 
returned  from  an  excursion  through  the  Morea.  He 
speaks  of  returning  to  America;  says  that  Greece  will  do 
for  one  or  two  days,  and  then  tires.  He  longs  for  the 
luxuriant  foliage  of  America.  At  two  o'clock  we  left  for 
Smyrna;  saw  in  the  distance  Andros,  Tenos,  Delos,  Paros, 
Naxos,  Mycene.  Delos  is  celebrated  by  the  nativity  of 
Apollo  and  Diana;  Naxos  interesting  as  being  the  spot 
where  the  heartless  Theseus  left  Ariadne,  his  benefactor 
and  lady-love.  At  twelve  o'clock  we  passed  along  the 
coast  of  Scio;  too  dark  to  see  objects. 

June  2nd.  In  the  morning  found  ourselves  entering  the 
Gulf  of  Smyrna.  Delivered  despatches  to  some  vessels  of 
the  line  (French)  lying  at  anchor,  about  20  miles  from 
Smyrna.  The  English  and  French  fleet  are  expected 
daily;  they  are  to  act  conjointly  in  preventing  an  engage- 
ment between  the  fleets  of  the  Sultan  and  Pacha.  It  is  a 
beautiful  sail  up  the  Gulf,  which  is  hemmed  in  by  moun- 
tains on  either  side.  It  reminded  us  much  of  lake  scenery, 
but  the  mountains  are  not  like  those  of  Scotland.  About 
six  miles  off  we  saw  the  city,  distinguished  by  a  smoke 


I 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


47 


rising  up  from  its  centre,  and  the  dark  foliage  of  the 
cypress.  As  we  approached  Smyrna,  we  distinguished 
two  or  three  American  flags;  an  EngHsh  corvette  and  two 
or  three  Austrian  vessels  were  lying  off  the  city.  The 
agent  of  the  steamers  came  alongside  and  said  we  could 
communicate,  there  being  no  plague.  We  accordingly 
determined  to  land,  and  to  remain  a  few  days  at  Smyrna, 
and  perhaps  make  an  excursion  to  some  of  the  seven 
Churches. 

It  will  be  noted  that  the  traveller,  although  yet 
a  youth,  is  well  acquainted  with  his  Bible;  he 
knows  "  the  mystery  of  the  seven  golden  candle- 
sticks." Although  a  young  man  of  society,  the 
very  "  pink  of  courtesy,"  still  he  cares  enough  for 
sacred  subjects  to  seek  out  certain  of  "  the  seven 
Churches  which  are  in  Asia,"  to  which  St.  John 
delivered  the  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ.  The 
record  proceeds: 

At  ten  o'clock,  we  took  leave  of  our  friends  on  board 
the  steamer,  put  ourselves  and  luggage  in  a  small  boat, 
and  rowed  to  the  American  consulate;  Mr.  Oflin  was 
absent  from  the  city.  We  procured  porters,  who  carried 
on  their  backs  almost  as  much  as  a  camel,  and  proceeded 
to  Mad.  Rosa's  hotel.  These  porters  are  celebrated  for 
the  weight  they  can  carry;  sometimes  they  may  bear  400 
or  500  pounds.  They  have  a  padded  apparatus  fitting  to 
the  back,  on  which  they  place  the  heavy  burden.  As  we 
walked  up  to  the  hotel,  we  were  surprised  to  see  the  doors 
and  windows  of  each  house  filled  with  beautiful  faces. 
They  appeared  to  have  turned  out  to  receive  us;  on  in- 
quiry, however,  we  found  that  it  was  no  particular  honor 
to  us,  but  a  universal  custom  of  exposure  on  each  return- 
ing Sunday.  They  were  all  beautiful,  or  at  least  appeared 
so  to  us,  who  had  not  seen  a  woman  for  some  months. 


48 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


They  have  a  speaking  eye,  all  eloquent,  and  love  seems 
their  only  language.  They  were  all  prettily  dressed. 
Braided  in  their  dark  tresses  is  the  scarlet  tarboush, 
richly  ornamented  with  gold,  forming  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  head-dresses  I  have  ever  seen. 

Mr.  Calhoun  saw  us  to  our  quarters;  he  met  us  again  at 
four  o'clock  and  took  us  to  Church,  They  have  a  nice 
Chapel  attached  to  the  Dutch  consulate.  The  pew  of  the 
consul  was  mistaken  for  a  pulpit;  over  it  are  the  arms  of 
the  Netherlands.  There  are  four  or  five  services  per- 
formed each  Sunday  in  this  same  chapel,  and  accordingly 
you  find  every  variety  of  book  of  prayer  in  every  variety 
of  tongue.  In  our  pew  we  had  a  hymn-book  in  English, 
a  Book  of  Psalms  in  Greek,  a  Bible  in  French,  the  service 
of  our  Church  adapted  to  the  Church  of  the  Levant,  in 
Italian.  The  service  on  the  present  occasion  was  the 
Presbyterian.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Temple  of  America  preached 
a  very  good  sermon.  The  audience  was  not  large,  in  con- 
sequence of  most  of  the  Europeans  or  Franks,  at  this 
season  of  the  year,  being  in  the  country.  Mr.  Calhoun 
was  kind  enough  to  introduce  us  to  the  congregation. 
Dined  at  six  o'clock;  good  dinner;  amused  ourselves  the 
rest  of  the  evening  by  seeing  the  people  pass  our  door  on 
their  return  from  Caravan  bridge — a  grand  promenade  on 
Sunday. 

3rd.  Mr.  Agger,  a  Missionary  here,  called  on  us  this 
morning,  and  with  Mr.  Calhoun  accompanied  us  through 
the  bazaars.  They  are  much  better,  as  far  as  the  building 
is  concerned,  than  those  of  Cairo,  though  there  is  perhaps 
not  an  equal  variety  of  Oriental  goods.  We  wandered 
through  the  bazaars,  passing  through  the  heart  of  the 
city,  and  wound  our  way  up  along  the  streets,  until  we 
had  almost  reached  the  height  of  the  hill  on  which  the  old 
city  was  built,  when  there  came  on  a  violent  rain,  which 
forced  us  to  take  shelter  under  the  low  hanging  eaves  of  a 
house  in  the  Turkish  quarter.  The  rain  continued  so 
hard,  that  we  were  compelled  to  give  up  our  ascent  to 
the  old  castle;   so  we  returned,  and  being  somewhat 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


49 


hungry,  went  into  a  cafe,  and  regaled  ourselves  with  a 
dish  of  Kabobs  which  we  found  exceedingly  nice. 

You  constantly  pass  graveyards  in  the  very  heart  of 
the  city,  beautiful  and  gloomy  at  the  same  time — with  their 
cypress  and  poppy — like  the  hectic  flush  on  the  consump- 
tive patient.  In  one  of  the  large  graveyards  a  place  is 
walled  up  and  kept  as  it  were  sacred,  in  consequence  of 
a  tradition  cherished  by  the  Greeks  and  feared  by  the 
Turks.  There  is  the  base  of  a  fine  pillar,  which  the  Greeks 
say  belonged  to  a  Church  dedicated  to  St.  Peter.  For  a 
time,  the  Turks  defiled  the  sacred  spot,  by  burying  there 
their  unsacred  carcasses.  Night  after  night,  St.  Peter  re- 
moved the  bodies;  the  tombs  were  found  empty,  the 
bodies  were  found  in  the  public  road,  and  the  Turks  were 
compelled  to  respect  the  sacred  spot. 

Spent  the  evening  at  ]\Ir.  Riggs'.  Mr.  Calhoun  has 
rooms  with  him.  We  met  here  Mr.  Agger,  and  in  com- 
pany with  him,  Mr.  Calhoun  and  ]\Ir.  and  !Mrs.  Riggs, 
spent  a  pleasant  evening.  Their  house  is  well  built  and 
pleasantly  situated,  so  as  to  have  a  fine  sea-breeze  almost 
continually.  ]\Ir.  Riggs  has  the  reputation  of  being  a 
very  superior  man,  a  capital  Greek  scholar,  etc.  We  had 
intended  to  go  to  Ephesus  tomorrow,  but  horses  cannot 
be  obtained.  Perhaps  it  is  all  for  the  best;  our  friends 
were  extremely  opposed  to  our  going,  as  there  is  great 
fear  of  the  fever  at  this  season  of  the  year. 

4th.  yix.  Temple  called  on  us  this  morning;  he  is 
something  of  a  croaker,  but,  I  believe,  a  good  man.  He 
has  been  fifteen  years  in  the  ^Mediterranean.  Invited  us  to 
his  house  to  spend  the  evening.  ]\Ir.  Calhoun  and  ]\Ir. 
Agger  we  see  constantly. 

In  the  evening  took  a  walk  with  Mr.  Calhoun,  and 
passed  along  the  barracks.  Saw  the  soldiers  exercising; 
a  better  looking  set  of  men  than  the  soldiers  of  the  Pacha. 
Passed  the  Governor's  house,  and  ascended  the  hill  by 
the  Jewish  burial  ground.  The  tombs  consist  of  flat 
stones.  There  were  some  Turkish  women  taking  the  air, 
sitting  on  the  tombs;  I  believe  it  is  a  fashionable  resort. 

4 


50 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


From  the  top  of  the  hill,  we  obtained  a  beautiful  view  of 
the  town  and  harbor;  the  sun  was  just  setting.  The 
houses  appear  to  be  built  one  upon  the  other.  You  see 
the  remains  of  an  old  Roman  road,  the  site  of  the 
Stadium,  the  buttresses  of  the  theatre  and  a  part  of  its 
side,  also  a  small  part  of  the  old  wall.  A  solitary  cypress 
with  a  tomb  at  its  base,  marks  the  spot  associated  with 
the  martyrdom  of  Polycarp,  who  was  killed  on  the  Sta- 
dium. It  was  too  late,  so  we  hurried  down  through  the 
Armenian  quarter;  being  thirsty,  stopped  at  diCafe  and 
sitting  down  under  a  broad  shady  plane-tree,  drank  a 
capital  cup  of  coffee. 

5th.  Remained  in  the  house  in  the  morning.  At  three 
o'clock,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Calhoun,  we  took  a  ride  on 
donkeys  to  Buja,  a  place  where  most  of  the  English  pass 
their  summer.  We  had  a  delightful  ride.  Our  road 
passed  along  by  the  celebrated  Meles,  near  whose  source 
tradition  affixes  the  spot  that  gave  Homer  birth.  It  is  a 
small  stream  except  during  the  heavy  rains,  when  it  be- 
comes quite  a  torrent.  Passing  round  the  castle  we 
ascended  the  hill.  We  soon  obtained  a  beautiful  view  of 
the  valley  of  the  Meles,  "  which  by  a  livelier  green  be- 
trayed the  secret  of  its  silent  course."  There  was  a  rich 
luxuriance,  a  beauty  of  foliage,  a  gentleness  or  serenity 
which  was  extremely  pleasing.  At  a  distance  we  saw  the 
Gulf.  After  passing  the  mountain,  we  reached  a  beauti- 
ful plain,  and  continued  in  it  for  a  mile,  until  we  reached 
Buja.  It  is  very  pleasantly  situated;  the  houses  are  par- 
ticularly comfortable  and  neat  in  appearance.  We  went 
immediately  to  Mr.  Halleck's,  printer  to  the  Mission.  He 
has  here  a  delightful  summer  residence,  and  an  agreeable 
wife.  Mr.  Agger  and  Mr.  Calhoun  when  here,  live  with 
him.  Mr.  H.  received  us  very  kindly,  and  introduced  us 
to  two  American  girls,  one  about  17,  the  other  35,  I 
should  think. 

They  have  a  pretty  little  chapel,  which  they  have  made 
from  a  room  in  the  upper  part  of  the  house.  We  passed 
an  hour  here  very  agreeably.    The  donkey  boy  had  gone 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


51 


off  to  feed  his  donkey,  and  we  could  not  find  him;  con- 
sequently we  were  obliged  to  walk  almost  halfway  home. 
We  met  many  merchants,  on  their  way  to  their  country- 
seats.  Mr.  Calhoun  and  Mr.  Agger  dined  with  us,  and 
gave  us  much  information  connected  with  the  Mission 
here.  Their  influence  is  increasing  so  much  at  Constan- 
tinople, that  many  of  the  Armenians  are  frightened  and 
commencing  persecution.  The  Patriarch  of  the  Greek, 
or  of  the  Armenian  Church,  the  Rabbi,  and  others  of 
equal  ecclesiastical  right,  have  the  whole  .  and  exclusive 
government  of  people  of  their  nation — can  banish,  or 
punish  them  as  they  see  fit.  There  is  a  Jewish  prison  in 
Constantinople,  which  has  never  been  opened  but  to  Jews. 
Having  this  power,  persecution  is  an  easy  thing,  and 
consequently  they  banish  the  disaffected  of  their  Church. 
They  have  lately  exiled  two  or  three  very  estimable  men, 
m.erely  because  they  read  and  expounded  the  Bible; 
in  word  or  action,  they  never  slandered  their  Church. 
There  is  now  here  a  young  man,  a  converted  Jew,  from 
Constantinople.  He  was  a  protege  of  one  of  the  richest 
Armenian  bankers.  Some  banking  and  other  enemies  to 
his  patron,  secured  the  exile  of  the  protege.  He  was  sent 
to  the  interior  of  the  country,  with  some  of  his  friends. 
His  journey  to  his  place  of  exile  was  attended  by  every 
act  of  cruelty.  The  second  day  out,  his  sufferings  were 
so  great  that  he  was  obliged  to  bribe  his  attendants;  this 
procured  but  a  short  release  from  misery.  The  next  day 
he  was  obliged  to  bribe  higher  still.  This  system  was 
carried  on,  on  his  arrival  at  his  place  of  exile.  He  has 
been  imprisoned  one  or  two  years,  for  the  sake  of  Truth. 
'This  gentleman  is  staying  with  Mr.  Agger,  and  assists  in 
translations.    .    .  . 

7th.  At  six  o'clock  this  morning  took  a  walk  to  the 
Castle.  Saw  the  head  of  Smyrna  the  Amazon;  it  is  placed 
in  the  wall  beside  the  entrance.  The  view  from  the  Castle 
is  very  fine,  taking  in  the  bay,  the  city  and  the  plain.  In- 
tensely w^arm ;  thermom.eter.go.  Went  to  a  Catholic  Church 
on  our  return  home,  attracted  by  a  fine,  pealing  organ. 


52 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


8th.  In  the  morning,  Mr.  Calhoun  took  us  to  their 
book  shop  and  gave  us  permission  to  select  whatever 
books  might  please  us.  Their  publications  are  all  well  got 
up.  They  publish  a  periodical  in  Greek,  very  similar  to 
the  Penny  Magazine,  of  which  they  circulate  from  looo 
to  1500  copies.  Last  evening  we  took  tea  with  Mr.  Agger; 
met  all  the  Missionaries;  had  quite  an  agreeable  time.  At 
three  o'clock,  we  went  on  board  the  Austrian  steamer, 
which  we  found  overflowing  with  third-class  passengers 
of  all  nations,  who  monopolized  the  whole  decks.  They 
were  really  of  every  nation,  for  we  had  on  board  Indians, 
Nubians,  Arabs,  Turks,  Greeks,  Portuguese,  Italians, 
Poles  and  Americans.  Our  captain  we  like;  he  appears  a 
good  sailor,  and  gentlemanly  in  his  manners.  The  breeze 
was  a  little  fresh;  threatened  by  a  thunder  and  lightning 
storm.    Arrived  at  Mitylene  at  two  o'clock. 

9th.  Weather  rather  disagreeable.  At  twelve  o'clock 
passed  the  plains  of  Troy;  saw  in  the  distance  the  mounds 
which  they  individualize  as  the  tombs  of  Achilles  and 
Patroclus!  Soon  afterward  entered  the  canal;  a  fort  is 
seen  on  either  side  ;  at  short  intervals  you  pass  six 
chateaus,  two  being  always  opposite  each  other.  After 
dinner,  passed  Sestos  and  Abydos.  Saw  the  place  where 
Byron  swam  across.  A  young  Englishman  attempted  the 
same  feat  lately,  and  entirely  failed,  losing  his  life.  We 
find  our  captain  a  noble  hearted  fellow,  and  consequently 
our  time  passes  pleasantly. 

loth.  At  Gallipolis  last  night  we  saw  part  of  the 
Turkish  fleet — they  are  lying  there  to  get  in  their  stores 
— the  Sultan  being  anxious  to  reduce  his  rebellious  sub- 
ject, Mahomet  Ali,  to  obedience.  Early  this  morning 
came  in  sight  of  a  part  of  the  Turkish  fleet  under  sail, 
with  two  steamers.  At  12  o'clock,  passed  around  the 
point  of  Seraglio,  and  waited  in  the  Golden  Horn  some 
time  for  the  health  officers.  Constantinople  with  its 
domes  and  minarets  equalled  our  expectations.  The 
Porte  had  quite  a  lively  appearance  with  its  shipping  and 
its  graceful  caiques  which  resemble  somewhat  a  canoe  in 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


53 


appearance  but  are  more  beautifully  carved.  We  found, 
to  our  great  delight,  that  there  would  be  no  quarantine, 
but  that  we  must  submit  to  a  smoking.  We  thought 
we  could  escape  this  disagreeable  ceremony  by  taking  a 
caique,  and  rowing  for  the  shore;  this  was  "no  go,"  for 
we  had  hardly  left  the  vessel,  before  the  health  officer 
came  after  us,  and  in  a  great  passion  ordered  us  to  the 
smoking  apparatus.  This  was  nothing  but  a  miserable 
shanty,  in  the  middle  of  which  was  a  pan  of  coals,  salt- 
petre, etc.;  we  were  compelled  to  go  round  and  round 
the  fire,  until  our  eyes  were  pretty  well  filled  with  dust. 
They  did  not  consider  it  necessary  to  touch  our  clothes, 
so  that  we  escaped  without  much  vexation.  Mad.  Ro- 
boly's  brother,  who  is  attached  to  the  health  department, 
said  that  there  were  rooms  to  be  had  at  her  house,  and 
accordingly  we  posted  ofif  there.  We  landed  at  Galata,  a 
part  of  the  town  just  below  Pera,  a  most  dirty  filthy  place. 
We  crawled  up  the  hill  as  well  as  we  could,  and  soon 
arrived  in  Frank  St.,  in  which  you  see  men  promenading 
in  every  costume.  We  turned  off  from  this  street,  and 
descending  a  steep  hill,  arrived  at  a  small  house  which 
they  pointed  out  as  Mad.  Roboly's.  It  was  too  late  to  get 
our  letters. 

nth.  Obtained  letters  from  our  banker,  Mr.  Churchill. 
They  were  extremely  satisfactory,  and  I  don't  know  when 
I've  been  so  happy.  Mr.  Churchill  called  for  us  at  two 
o'clock,  to  take  us  to  the  opening  of  a  Turkish  theatre. 
A  square  was  formed  by  wooden  fences;  on  one  side  were 
boxes  for  men,  on  another  for  women  screened  from  view 
by  lattice  work,  on  another  side  were  rising  benches  for 
oi  TtoXXoi.  On  the  farther  side  was  the  orchestra,  sit- 
ting on  a  small  platform;  their  instruments,  short  pipes 
and  noisy  tambourines.  The  play  was  "  The  Opium 
Eater."  In  the  beginning,  dancing  boys  made  their 
appearance  dressed  up  as  girls.  Nothing  can  equal  the 
low  vulgarity  of  the  piece  throughout,  as  translated  to  us 
by  Mr.  Churchill.  The  audience  seemed  much  amused 
with  the  low  jokes. 


54 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Mr.  C.  made  a  large  fortune  by  shooting  a  boy  instead 
of  a  partridge;  he  was  seized,  beaten  and  imprisoned  by 
the  Turkish  officers,  for  the  offence,  and  afterwards  re- 
covered £5000  for  the  injury  done.  Called  on  Dr.  Robert- 
son who  was  formerly  at  Scyra,  now  stationed  here  as 
Missionary  to  the  Greeks.  He  is  exceedingly  agreeable, 
as  well  as  his  wife  and  daughter.  Called  on  Mr.  Goodell 
to  whom  we  had  a  letter  from  Mr.  Calhoun. 

I2th.  Made  our  first  visit  to  Constantinople.  We 
were  much  pleased  with  the  immense  extent  of  the  ba- 
zaars, and  the  beauty  of  the  articles  which  they  contain. 
We  became  very  much  fascinated  with  the  ladies'  shoes, 
and  made  considerable  purchases.  We  very  much  ad- 
mired a  pair  which  they  offered  us  for  1000  piasters  or 
$50.  We  lounged  through  a  considerable  part  of  the  ba- 
zaars, and  being  somewhat  fatigued  refreshed  ourselves 
with  a  dish  of  Kabobs,  the  elements  of  which  are  minced 
mutton  broiled  on  a  spit,  sour  milk  and  bread.  After  we 
had  recruited  ourselves,  we  went  to  the  Hippodrome  or 
At-Meidan.  Here  is  an  obelisk  60  feet  high — erected  dur- 
ing the  reign  of  Theodosius — the  remains  of  a  serpentine 
column  which  was  brought  from  the  temple  of  Delphi, 
where  it  had  supported  the  holy  tripod.  There  are  also 
remains  of  a  brick  obelisk  or  pyramid,  which  had  been 
covered  with  bronze  by  Constantine  Porphyrogenfietus. 
We  entered  the  "  cistern  of  looi  columns,"  which  is  in  the 
neighborhood.  It  is  a  large  reservoir,  or  was  so  intended 
by  its  builder  Constantine.  Instead  of  lOOi  columns  it 
has  224.  This  reservoir  is  now  used  as  a  weaving  shop. 
By  engagement,  we  met  Mr.  Brown  an  American,  who 
was  unfortunate  in  business  in  America,  and  now  is  en- 
deavoring to  support  himself  honorably  here.  By  ap- 
pointment we  met  at  the  tower,  from  which  they  watch 
for  fires.  The  tower  is  high,  but  you  are  well  repaid 
with  a  splendid  view  of  the  Bosphorus,  the  Porte,  the  Sea 
of  Marmora,  Galata,  Pera,  etc.,  and  regaled  with  a  capital 
cup  of  coffee  and  a  chibouque.  From  the  tower,  we  went 
to  the  bazaars,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Brown,  who  assisted 


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55 


us  in  our  purchases.  We  were  much  amused  in  seeing  the 
attempts  of  the  Turks  towards  civihzation.  Their  poor 
attempts  reminded  me  of  the  passage  in  Shakespeare, 
where  we  read: 

As  patches  set  upon  a  little  breach 
Discredit  more  in  hiding  of  the  fault, 
Than  did  the  fault  before  it  was  so  patched. 

Square-toed  shoes,  embroidered  suspenders,  badly  made 
coats! — The  Turks  are  in  as  bad  a  state  as  the  Indians  on 
the  borders.  Cairo  is  the  city  for  oriental  manners  and 
customs.  The  shopkeeper  generally  takes  half  his  origi- 
nal price. 

Tea-fight  at  Dr.  Robertson's.  Took  a  walk  with  Mr. 
Goodell,  the  little  Goodells  and  Robertsons,  before  tea, 
on  the  large  burial  ground.  A  singular  fashion  this  in 
Turkey,  to  use  a  burial  ground  as  a  fashionable  prome- 
nade! Gloom  is  banished  from  the  abode  of  the  dead;  the 
deceased  friend  is  not  shunned;  his  tomb  is  made  the  rest- 
ing place  for  his  attached  friend.  Death  instead  of  sep- 
arating from  a  departed  relative  as  a  loathsome  creature 
attracts  by  its  silent  repose. 

13th.  Took  a  boat  and  crossed  over  to  Scutari;  here 
we  took  horses  and  galloped  up  ]Mount  Boulgourlou. 
The  view  could  not  be  equalled.  You  see  Constantinople 
in  the  distance,  with  its  domes  and  minarets;  rolling  below 
you,  the  Bosphorus,  its  shores  marked  with  numerous 
villages.  At  three  o'clock,  we  went  to  see  the  "  howling 
dervishes  "  in  the  town  of  Scutari.  We  were  admitted 
into  a  small  room,  with  a  gallery  running  round  two 
sides,  one  all  screened,  for  women,  like  similar  precau- 
tions in  a  Catholic  Church  for  nuns.  The  walls  were 
ornamented  with  tambourines,  flags,  and  instruments  of 
torture  by  means  of  which  they  formerly  persecuted  them- 
selves; the  Sultan  at  present  prohibits  their  use.  A  railing 
runs  round  the  room,  leaving  a  way  and  place  for  the 
spectators;  within  the  railing,  mats  of  colored  wool  and 


56 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


skins  of  various  kinds,  were  strewed  on  the  ground.  In 
a  short  time,  they  made  their  appearance,  wearing  their 
usual  dress — a  tall,  white  conical  hat  and  a  loose  gown. 
They  all  engaged  in  prayer,  and  afterwards  in  turn  kissed 
the  hand  of  the  head  dervish.  The  chorister  then  struck 
up  a  dismal  howl,  and  the  rest  joined  in,  in  chorus.  Their 
music  was  accompanied  by  motions  of  the  body,  the 
rapidity  of  motion  increasing  with  the  rapidity  of  the 
music,  till  some  poor  fellows  almost  fell  from  exhaustion. 
There  was  something  horrible  in  their  motions  and  atti- 
tudes; the  mind  fairly  sickened  to  witness  it.  The  howl- 
ing was  carried  on  in  fine  style.  It  sounded  much  like 
enthusiastic  chanting  in  the  Greek  Church;  the  leader  kept 
time  with  his  hands.  It  was  not  therefore  an  individual 
howling,  but  a  grand  chorus.  Before  they  parted,  a  child 
was  brought  in.  This  is  always  done  when  strangers  are 
present,  in  order  to  prove  their  power  of  performing 
miracles;  they  wish  the  people  to  understand  that  the 
infant  is  sick  and  is  cured.  They  are  something  of  a  set 
of  jugglers.  I  could  not  but  think,  that  these  poor  fel- 
lows were  working  extremely  hard  for  their  living,  and 
all  perhaps  for  naught. 

14th.  Rowed  up  the  Bosphorus  about  six  miles  to  see 
the  Sultan  go  to  mosque.  Soldiers  were  on  duty  at  the 
mosque,  with  a  splendid  band  of  music.  At  twelve 
o'clock,  his  Serene  Highness  approached  with  his  six 
boats  or  caiques  of  state.  These  were  very  long  and 
beautifully  painted  and  gilded,  two  of  them  being  provided 
with  splendid  canopies,  with  velvet  and  damask,  also 
mahogany  sofas.  Twenty  oars!  The  Sultan  arrived  in 
the  third  boat,  attended  by  two  Pachas,  who  escorted  him 
up  the  stairs  to  the  mosque,  the  stairs  being  covered  with 
carpet.  He  looks  like  a  man  of  decision,  but  not  of  much 
energy;  as  he  was  quite  unwell,  complaining  of  a  bleeding 
from  the  lungs,  I  could  not  judge.  He  was  dressed  some- 
what like  a  European,  his  breast  being  ornamented  with 
a  splendid  decoration.  He  returned  in  a  carriage  and  six; 
the  carriage  was  a  miserable  old  hack.    As  he  entered  and 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


57 


left  the  church,  there  were  crowds  of  people  with  peti- 
tions, which  the  Sultan  ordered  his  officer  to  collect.  He 
pointed  out  several  poor  creatures,  and  sent  for  their  pe- 
titions. There  were  many  distinguished  people  present. 
Prince  George  of  Cambridge  and  others.  After  this  lion 
was  killed,  we  rowed  up  to  the  "  Sweet  Waters,"  which 
is  only  two  miles  above.  We  were  obliged  to  be  pulled 
through  a  very  severe  current  before  reaching  the  "  Sweet 
Waters."  It  is  a  beautiful  place  and  was  crowded  with 
Armenian  ladies,  who  made  their  appearance  on  the 
ground  in  Arabans  " — a  long  vehicle  richly  carved,  with 
cushions  on  the  floor  instead  of  seats,  on  which  six  or 
seven  women  place  themselves.  This  vehicle  is  drawn  by 
oxen,  which  are  dressed  of?  in  grand  style  with  looking- 
glasses  on  their  heads;  from  the  pole,  two  sticks  rise  in 
the  air  and  project  over  the  oxen,  and  to  these  sticks  are 
attached  small  tufts  of  different  colors.  Many  women 
were  collected  together,  listening  to  some  musicians  and 
stor>'  tellers.  We  were  anxious  to  know  what  was  going 
on  and  approached  them,  but  were  soon  stopped  by  sev- 
eral Turks,  who  from  fear  of  their  wives  got  into  a  great 
excitement.    I'm  sure,  we  meant  them  no  harm. 

15th.  ]\Ir.  Rhodes,  Jr.,  called  on  us  yesterday  and  in- 
vited us  to  the  launch  of  a  steamer  and  cutter,  which  took 
place  today.  We  had  the  pleasure  of  being  launched  on 
board  the  steamer,  which  is  a  beautiful  model.  After  the 
launch,  sixty  persons  dined  at  Mr.  Rhodes'.  Before  the 
launch,  instead  of  breaking  a  bottle  of  champagne  over 
the  deck  and  thus  naming  her,  they  sacrificed  five  or  six 
sheep,  and  sprinkled  blood  over  the  bow.  The  Astrologer 
and  Mufti  were  present,  to  mark  the  happy  hour,  and  to 
pray  for  the  vessel's  safety.  The  Sultan  was  too  sick  to 
be  present.  At  dinner,  Mrs.  R.  wore  a  ring — which  is  a 
present  to  ^Ir.  R.  from  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  for  a 
model  which  he  built  for  him — valued  at  $5000 — being 
an  enormous  emerald  surrounded  with  diamonds.  After 
dinner  we  went  on  board  the  steamer;  it  is  a  beautiful 
model  and  beautifully  fitted  up.    In  the  steamer's  pantry 


58 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


was  an  abundance  of  champagne  glasses,  the  Sultan  find- 
ing that  this  wine  is  not  forbidden  in  the  Koran. 
i6th.    Went  to  the  English  Chapel. 

17th.  We  were  delighted  to  hear  this  morning,  that 
Prince  George  of  Cambridge  intended  to  visit  the  mosques 
today,  with  a  firman.  When  a  firman  is  granted,  all  can 
go  who  wish.  We  accordingly  availed  ourselves  of  the 
privilege  of  the  rabble,  and  joined  the  crowd.  We  picked 
up  recruits  as  we  went  along;  a  motley  group  we  were, 
our  friend  Prince  George  at  the  head,  with  his  red  cravat, 
green  vest,  blue  coat  and  light  pantaloons.  We  were  all 
obliged  to  wear  slippers,  or  to  pull  off  our  boots  on  enter- 
ing the  mosques;  this  is  for  the  sake  of  cleanliness.  They 
say  that  some  years  ago  any  one  could  enter  St.  Sophia, 
but  an  unfortunate  Russian  gave  great  offence  by  spitting 
on  the  carpet,  and  thenceforth  a  firman  was  necessary  to 
procure  entrance.  Many  contented  themselves  by  pulling 
their  slippers  partly  over  their  boots,  but  many  poor  fel- 
lows in  this  way  were  left  slipperless.  St.  Sophia  pleases 
by  its  immense  dome,  its  open  grandeur  and  historical 
association.  Achmet  pleases  by  its  great  extent,  its  gay- 
ness  of  appearance,  and  beauty  of  its  ornaments;  Soly- 
mania  from  its  extreme  chasteness  and  symmetry.  St. 
Sophia  has  a  gallery,  as  also  Achmet,  running  in  the  first 
around  the  church. 

Our  friend  Fleming  arrived  today,  and  is  unfortunately 
put  in  quarantine  for  the  same  cases  of  plague  which  were 
reported  at  Smyrna  when  we  left. 

19th.  Called  at  the  Lazaretto;  saw  Fleming  and  poor 
Mr.  Hatfield.  They  are  as  comfortable  and  happy  as  any 
one  could  be  similarly  situated. 

20th — 23rd.  Our  time  is  filled  up  in  rowing  up  the 
Bosphorus,  visiting  the  pretty  villages  that  line  its  banks, 
and  in  wandering  through  the  bazaars.  Looking  out  of 
our  window  the  other  day  while  at  dinner,  being  aroused 
by  human  cries,  we  saw  a  poor  fellow  who  had  been 
employed  in  dragging  stone  for  the  French  palace,  placed 
with  his  feet  before  the  fire  of  a  small  furnace.  On 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


59 


enquiry,  we  found  that  the  unfortunate  fellow  had  pushed 
ofif  a  drunken  soldier  who  had  rubbed  against  him,  and 
had  been  bastinadoed  for  the  offence;  his  feet  were  much 
lacerated,  and  he  was  consequently  placed  before  a  fire 
to  make  the  parts  unite.  23d.  Went  to  English  chapel; 
afraid  to  visit  Brusa,  fearing  a  quarantine  on  our  arrival. 

28th.  This  week,  visited  New  Palace,  in  company  with 
Mr.  Rhodes  and  all  the  Americans  in  town;  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  passing  through  a  harem.  Some  of  the  rooms  are 
large,  and  fitted  up  with  much  taste.  Thence  went  to  the 
Gun  Factory;  from  this  to  Mr.  Rhodes'  and  took  a  family 
dinner.  Afterwards  took  a  sail  in  his  cutter.  After  tea 
we  took  a  walk  across  the  hills,  and  saw  the  place  where 
the  iMussulmans  pray  for  rain.  On  one  occasion  the 
Mohammedans  prayed  in  vain,  and  the  prayers  of  the 
Christians  alone  availed  to  prevail  with  the  Deity.  The 
Turks  got  over  the  affair  by  saying  that  God  was  so  tired 
of  the  Christian  prayers,  that  He  gave  them  rain  imme- 
diately to  put  an  end  to  their  supplications.  On  the  27th 
there  was  a  rumor  that  the  Sultan  was  extremely  ill;  on 
the  28th  that  he  was  dead,  and  that  a  regency  had  been 
appointed. 

July  1st.  Left  Constantinople  in  Ferdinand  Primo, 
Captain  Everson.    Head  wind;  bad  sea. 

2nd.  Arrived  at  Varna  at  two  o'clock.  Went  ashore 
with  the  Captain.  Visited  the  Pacha. — Well  fortified  by 
nature  and  art. 

The  unusual  extent  of  the  tour,  and  the  enter- 
prise of  the  travellers,  are  indicated  by  the  route 
here  set  down.  Even  nowadays,  when  European 
trips  are  common,  not  many  Americans  will  sail 
up  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  making  an  excur- 
sion into  the  classic  regions  of  Asia  Minor,  then 
through  the  Dardanelles,  familiar  to  schoolboys  as 
the  Hellespont,  so  reaching  Constantinople;  thence 


6o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


again  by  steamer  on  the  Black  Sea,  so  as  to  enter 
the  river  Danube  by  its  mouths,  well  up  on  the 
Russian  border.    The  journal  continues: 

3rd.  Arrived  off  mouth  of  the  Danube,  3  o'clock. 
Ten  feet  of  water  upon  the  bar.  Vessels  cannot  take  in 
all  their  freight  before  clearing  the  bar.  The  banks  of 
the  river  are  edged  with  rushes;  occasionally  you  see  a 
house  on  props,  surrounded  by  water  on  all  sides:  these 
are  the  stations  of  the  Russian  guards.  Passed  two  or 
three  gun-boats  of  the  Russians. 

4th  of  July.  This  day  we  celebrated  in  grand  style  last 
year,  in  London.  I  am  afraid  it  must  glide  by  neglected 
on  this  occasion,  as  our  friends,  our  Captain  and  all 
around  us,  are  those  who  could  with  little  pleasure  enter 
into  our  feelings.  Arrived  at  Galatz  at  ten  o'clock;  can- 
not land  without  being  subjected  to  quarantine.  We  lose 
one  of  our  companions  here,  in  Israelite,  who  has  afiforded 
us  much  pleasure  in  discussion.  He  is  well  informed  and 
liberal.  He  was  anxious  to  make  an  appointment  with 
us  to  have  a  public  discussion  at  London. 

Here,  again,  let  a  fact  be  noted.  The  writer  of 
the  journal  is  yet  a  youth.  Fresh  from  college,  he 
is  interested  in  the  site  of  classic  story.  Yet  more, 
he  is  mindful  of  the  lessons  learned  at  Flushing,  as 
also  at  his  mother's  knee.  Religion  is  always  an 
attractive  subject  for  him.  He  desires  to  visit  the 
seven  churches,  and  he  likes  to  enter  into  long 
debate,  upon  the  side  of  Christianity.  It  will  be 
remembered  that  he  is  not  yet  in  holy  orders  or 
even  a  student  of  theology;  so  far  as  may  be  known, 
he  has  no  definite  plan  of  life;  he  is  a  young  man, 
very  young,  just  entering  upon  a  brilliant  career 
of  fashion.    Nevertheless,  he  is  strongly  interested 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


6i 


in  the  old-fashioned  Bible.  The  journalist  con- 
tinues his  entry  for  the  fourth  of  July: 

We  passed  the  day  very  agreeably.  The  dinner  was 
merrified  by  a  few  bottles  of  wine,  so  that  the  day  did  not 
pass  by  entirely  unobserved.    At  five  o'clock  we  left  for 

I  ,  two  hours'  sail  from  Galatz.    Here  we  stayed  all 

the  evening,  and  were  almost  devoured  by  mosquitoes. 
They  have  almost  realized  our  expectations;  rumor  said 
that  they  were  as  large  as  donkeys — I  think  that  they 
approximate  more  to  the  snipe  species.  All  were  obliged 
to  leave  the  cabin  and  to  go  on  deck. 

5th.  It  is  extremely  provoking,  this  detention!  Here 
we  remain  at  this  dirty,  overflooded  town  until  four 
o'clock,  when  we  leave  in  the  Galat^ea,  which  takes  us  to 
Orsova.  We  all  were  sorry  to  take  leave  of  our  good 
friend  Captain  Jack  Everson;  we  bade  him  good-bye  sev- 
eral times,  and  as  we  left  gave  him  three  cheers.  This 
steamer,  as  well  as  the  Ferdinand,  was  obliged  to  go  up 
the  river  to  make  a  turn;  as  we  passed  each  other  in  the 
turn  cannons  were  fired  from  either  vessel.  Proceeded 
on  our  wa}'  until  dark:  then  lay  by  for  the  night.  We 
are  all  provided  with  mosquito  nets — still,  I  was  sadly  bit. 
We  have  no  berths,  but  German  spring-sofas. 

6th.  At  twelve  o'clock  at  Hirdsova:  the  river  very 
broad.  The  banks  begin  to  show  some  signs  of  life;  they 
are  prettily  covered  with  foliage.  7th.  In  the  morning  at 
Silistria;  lost  three  or  four  hours,  taking  in  coals. 

8th.  At  seven  o'clock  arrived  at  Rustchuk:  went  ashore 
and  bought  some  pipe-bowls  peculiar  to  the  place — quite 
a  pretty  Turkish  town!  The  news  is  here  confirmed  of 
the  death  of  the  Sultan.  Who  can  tell  the  effects  that 
this  infliction  of  Providence  will  bring  upon  Turkey? 
Perhaps  its  day  is  over.  The  Janissaries  may  arise  and 
take  vengeance  on  the  Franks;  there  are  no  troops  in 
Constantinople,  all  are  in  Syria.  Russia  may  come  down 
and  seize  the  city.  We  saw  the  Sultan  go  to  mosque  for 
the  last  time;  he  then  appeared  extremely  ill.    His  deci- 


62 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


sion  of  character,  overcame  all  his  opponents.  A  regency, 
at  least  a  Turkish  regency,  is  unfit  to  cope  with  the 
enemies  of  reform. 

Qth.  Last  evening  anchored  at  8  o'clock;  this  morning 
we  arrived  at  Nikopoli — we  were  unfortunately  all  asleep. 
The  river  varies  little;  devoid  of  beauty  and  interest.  We 
are  amused  by  the  immense  droves  of  cattle  that  are  seen 
on  the  banks;  see  an  abundance  of  wild  fowl,  pelicans, 
etc.    Stopped  at  Sistor — dinner  time. 

loth.  Arrived  at  Widdin  at  ten  o'clock.  Paid  a  visit 
to  the  Pacha,  one  of  the  wealthiest  in  the  kingdom;  his 
salary  is  estimated  at  $3,000,000.  Nearly  all  the  pas- 
sengers were  presented  to  his  Pachaship.  We  had  in 
our  company,  our  two  French  fellow  passengers,  the 
Armenian  and  his  wife  and  a  young  German  woman. 
The  palace  was  nothing  extraordinary  in  appearance.  In 
the  court-yard  a  number  of  beggarly  soldiers  were  hang- 
ing about,  sufficiently  miserable  in  appearance  to  touch 
the  feelings  of  a  sensitive  man.  The  palace  formed  a 
square;  on  one  side  the  reception  room  of  the  Pacha,  on 
another  his  harem,  and  on  another  the  stable.  After 
passing  through  a  crowd  of  attendants,  we  were  ushered 
into  the  reception  room.  The  room  was  large;  it  showed 
signs  of  better  days  as  the  eye  wandered  around  the  walls. 
It  had  been  once  gaily  gilded  according  to  the  Turkish 
fashion.  A  divan  ran  partly  round  the  room;  on  the  un- 
occupied sides  were  French  satin  bottomed  chairs.  The 
Pacha  was  seated  in  the  farther  corner.  Nothing  was 
visible  but  the  trunk  of  his  body;  his  feet  were  wrapped 
up  so  well  under  his  body,  that  they  were  to  the  eye  as 
good  as  none.  The  gentleman  wears  spectacles,  and  is 
possessed  of  a  fine,  grey  beard.  / 

We  made  omv  salams,  and  then,  were  seated.  The  ser- 
vants retired.  A  short  conversation  was  kept  up  by  the 
Armenian  gentleman.  A  eunuch  appeared,  and  the  ladies 
were  requested  to  follow  him,  and  they  repaired  to  the 
harem— something  of  a  compliment  to  the  young  German 
chambermaid!    The  Pacha  then  gave  a  gentle  tap  of  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


63 


hands,  and  servants  came  in  from  a  door  on  either  side 
of  the  room,  bringing  some  jelly  in  beautiful  French 
china,  some  iced  water  in  a  similar  vessel,  and  a  silver 
spoon  for  each  of  the  company.  Each  spoon  was  filled 
with  the  sweetmeats.  The  spoon  was  taken,  its  contents 
devoured  in  two  mouthfuls,  and  then  a  sip  of  cold  water 
was  taken.  This  done,  the  Pacha  again  clapped  his  hands, 
and  a  crowd  of  servants  rushed  in,  each  bearing  a  chi- 
bouque with  a  small  brass  pan  to  put  the  bottom  of  the 
pipe  on.  These  chibouques,  about  16  in  number,  were  as 
splendid  as  any  I  ever  saw,  the  amber  exceedingly  clear 
and  costly.  My  mouthpiece  had  a  ring  of  diamonds 
around  it;  I  suppose  the  chibouque  was  worth  $1000. 
There  were  others  equally  beautiful.  The  Pacha  smoked 
a  hookah  of  silver.  Then  coffee  was  served;  the  chi- 
bouques were  removed,  and  the  attendants  made  their 
appearance  again,  bringing  pipes  whose  jewels  made  the 
room  actually  brilliant.  These  pipes  have  been  valued 
at  £400  to  £600.  There  were  as  many  of  these,  as  persons 
to  use  them.  We  smoked  our  pipes  and  then  retired, 
highly  delighted  with  our  visit.  We  met  the  ladies  with- 
out, who  had  just  left  the  harem,  where  they  had  seen 
three  lovely  women,  one  50,  another  20  and  the  other  35. 

We  saw  a  little  Nubian  who  had  come  with  us  from 
Galatz,  destined  for  the  harem  of  the  Pacha,  presented 
to  him.  He  first  kissed  his  feet,  and  afterwards  went 
through  other  servile  offices  and  retired. 

We  left  Widdin  at  five  o'clock;  the  batteries  were  firing 
a  salute  in  honor  of  the  new  Sultan,  nth.  Proceeded 
on  our  way  only  for  a  few  hours,  having  been  detained 
for  some  time  at  Widdin.  12th.  Thursday.  Landed  at 
five  o'clock.  We  here  leave  the  Galatsea,  and  proceed  to 
Orsova  by  means  of  a  small  boat  drawn  by  oxen,  the  cur- 
rent being  too  strong  and  the  channel  too  narrow  for  a 
steamer  of  60  horse  power.  The  river  hourly  increases 
in  beauty;  from  where  we  are  now  lying,  a  beautiful  pass 
is  seen.  The  river  seems  to  be  suddenly  changed  into  a 
lake,  whose  surface  is  graced  with  two  or  three  pretty 


64 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


islands.  The  mountains  that  hem  it  in,  in  the  distance, 
rise  up  one  behind  the  other,  forming  seats  in  a  mighty 
amphitheatre. 

13th.  Left  the  Galatasa.  The  Captain  and  the  Engi- 
neer (Leay,  a  Scotchman)  have  made  themselves  as  agree- 
able as  they  could.  The  fare  however  was  execrable.  We 
started  off  at  five  o'clock  in  a  long  boat,  a  cabin  running 
the  whole  length,  very  roughly  constructed  of  unplaned 
boards.  We  brought  seats  from  the  steamer.  It  was 
possible  to  sit  on  the  roof  of  the  cabin,  and  hi  this  way 
enjoy  the  scenery.  Going  through  the  Iron-gate  (a  rapid 
falls)  we  were  permitted  to  walk  under  the  charge  of  a 
Servian  soldier.  The  distance  to  Orsova  is  about  fifteen 
miles,  which  we  accomplished  in  nine  hours,  by  the  aid 
of  oxen,  sometimes  10,  sometimes  22.  We  passed  New 
Orsova,  a  beautiful  town  not  far  from  Orsova,  where  was 
seen  flying  the  Turkish  flag;  it  is  an  island,  I  believe,  and 
well  fortified  by  nature  and  art.  The  river  for  these  fif- 
teen miles  has  been  exceedingly  grand;  from  its  sides  rise 
mountains  richly  coated  with  foliage,  and  occasionally 
decked  with  a  golden  crop  of  wheat. 

Orsova  is  a  smaller  place  than  I  expected  to  find.  Ox- 
carts were  in  readiness  to  receive  our  luggage;  neither  the 
cattle  nor  their  drivers  were  in  quarantine — to  keep  the 
animals  from  becoming  infected  by  contact,  their  tails 
were  tied  to  a  rope  attached  to  the  horns.  Not  much  lik- 
ing a  half  hour's  walk,  we  jumped  in  the  carts — the  Arme- 
nian lady  and  all — and  marched  off  with  a  guard  in 
advance,  and  in  our  rear.  The  Lazaretto  is  about  half  a 
mile  from  Orsova,  prettily  situated  in  a  small  valley, 
hemmed  in  by  high  hills  richly  foliaged.  The  Lazaretto 
is  a  small  village  in  itself.  There  are  many  houses, 
capable  of  accommodating  from  six  to  seven  persons, 
with  a  large  court  surrounded  by  four  high  walls;  to 
promenade  around  these  houses,  a  road  passes;  a  gate 
doubly  barred  and  locked  opens  on  this  road,  and  through 
or  at  this  door  your  friends  disinfected  converse  with 
you. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


65 


On  arriving,  the  director  being  absent  the  doctor  pre- 
sented himself,  demanded  our  passports  and  desired  us  to 
follow  him  and  receive  our  rooms.  The  doctor  is  a  small 
man  with  a  black  beard,  a  hyena-ish  grin,  and  a  fencing 
master's  air  in  flourishing  his  stick.  He  seemed  inclined 
to  pen  us  up,  either  like  so  many  criminals  or  so  many 
wild  animals.  Finally,  all  were  lodged  except  Captain 
Bennett  of  the  British  Navy,  my  friend  Bob  Fleming  and 
myself.  They  took  us  to  a  house  --vhere  three  of  our 
friends  were  lodged.  The  doctor  said  that  the  house  must 
contain  seven  persons.  Three  persons  already  occupied 
two  rooms  decently  furnished;  the  other  was  to  be  our 
quarters.  He  opened  the  door;  it  was  a  miserable,  dark, 
gloomy  den,  with  nothing  to  conceal  its  earthy  or  brick 
floor  but  a  platform  which  was  intended  for  our  bedstead. 
We  told  the  doctor  that  it  was  a  barracks,  scarcely  fit  for 
a  horse;  that  he  ought  to  be  aware  that  he  was  not  deal- 
ing with  malefactors  or  beggars  but  with  gentlemen,  one 
an  officer  in  the  English  Navy;  that  we  were  here  against 
our  will  for  their  convenience.  He  was  insolent,  as  far 
as  he  was  able  with  his  meagre  collection  of  French  words 
and  his  menacing  gestures  with  his  cane.  We  told  him 
that  we  would  not  occupy  the  room,  but  find  another  for 
ourselves.  Presently  one  of  my  friends  came  in  with  the 
Armenian  family;  they  desired  to  occupy  the  room  to  be 
near  our  part}'.  They  consequently  took  the  den,  but 
being  onl}'  three,  they  wanted  one  more  to  fill  up  the 
number;  for  the  doctor  said  that  the  room  could  hold 
four  persons,  and  one  of  us  must  be  one  of  the  required 
four.  We  let  him  understand  that  his  beastliness  would 
not  be  countenanced  by  us,  and  turning  our  backs,  looked 
until  we  found  the  best  room  left  and  occupied  it.  This 
was  poor  enough — the  same  sleeping  accommodations; 
the  room  was  larger,  more  light,  and  having  a  large 
yard.  Our  luggage  we  carried  in  ourselves  and  took 
forcible  possession.  A  black  rascal  and  a  beggarly  old 
Greek  moved  in  their  bedding,  and  took  possession  by 
order  of  the  doctor.    This  was  a  little  too  much  for  a 


5 


66 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Captain  in  the  British  Navy,  and  for  Americans,  especially 
a  Southerner.  We  sent  for  Monsieur  Doctor.  "  Que 
voulez  vous?"  We  told  him  our  complaint;  his  acquain- 
tance with  French  was  just  sufficient,  with  the  assistance 
of  his  own  conscience,  to  understand  the  reason  of  it.  He 
said  that  the  room  could  hold  seven  persons.  We  let  him 
know  that  we  had  and  would  keep  the  room,  and  that  the 
black  man  and  Greek  should  not  be  our  room  mates. 

The  doctor  had  taken  charge  of  our  passports.  C  

in  going  about  our  room  picked  up  his  passport;  he  was 
exceedingly  provoked  and  demanded  the  presence  of  the 
doctor.     He  appeared,  and  in  a  warm  discussion  told 

C  that  he  lied.    This  was  exceedingly  gentlemanly! 

Before  dinner  a  man  came  to  all  the  rooms  and  wished  to 
know  what  we  had  in  our  possession;  this  is  required,  they 
say,  so  that  property  can  be  sent  to  friends  in  case  cf 
death.  The  real  reason  appears  to  me  to  be,  to  entice 
people  to  tell  what  they  have,  expecting — for  the  reason 
they  assign — that  travellers  for  their  own  protection  will 
openly  disclose  all  that  they  have,  contraband  or  other- 
w^ise.  Notice  is  then  perhaps  sent  on  to  Vienna,  and  the 
unwary  traveller  taken  in.  They  asked  if  we  were  mar- 
ried, of  what  religion,  etc.,  which  impertinent  questions 
we  answered  as  we  chose.  Our  dinner  was  infamous; 
however,  we  were  in  capital  spirits  after  dinner,  and  were 
enjoying  ourselves  in  spite  of  our  misfortunes,  when  the 
jailer  came,  and  ordered  us  all  to  our  respective  rooms. 
We  were  just  getting  in  tune,  and  were  completely  struck 
down  to  hear  the  order.  Immediately  we  struck  up  "  We 
won't  go  home  till  morning,"  and  so  we  intended,  for  the 
Armenian  and  his  lady  could  be  well  provided  for,  and  the 
gentlemen  could  also  pass  a  very  comfortable  night  in  our 
commodious  habitation.  It  was  no  go  however.  They 
were  marched  off. 

14th.  We  all  dined  together;  the  Armenian  and  all  the 
party  spent  the  day  with  us,  not  intending  it;  but  the  gates 
were  locked  at  twelve  o'clock,  and  kept  so  until  two.  The 
dinner  was  somewhat  better — indeed,  much  better — but 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


67 


was  in  some  respects  not  clean.  The  Captain,  who  is  one 
of  the  best-natured  men  in  the  world,  unfortunately  caught 
sight  of  a  wandering  hair.  This  exceedingly  vexed  him, 
and  he  told  Nicholas  one  of  the  guardians  that  the  dish 
was  exceedingly  dirty,  and  that  he  must  never  bring  such 
a  dinner  on  table  again.  He  was  insolent.  The  Captain 
told  him  to  retire  and  conducted  him  to  the  door.  A  few 
minutes  afterward,  the  doctor  appeared.  "  Que  voulez 
vous?"  was  his  interrogatory  as  usual.  We  told  him  our 
complaint.  He  pretended  to  understand,  and  departed  in 
a  violent  passion. 

After  dinner  as  on  the  preceding  day,  we  clustered 
around  the  tree  in  the  middle  of  the  yard,  and  amused 
ourselves  with  a  few  songs.  In  the  midst  of  our  hilarity, 
we  saw  a  number  of  ladies  and  gentlemen,  counts  and 
countesses,  in  front  of  our  gate,  looking  at  us  like  so  many 
wild  animals  or  malefactors.  We  were  not  at  all  abashed 
by  their  impudence,  and  accordingly  advanced  toward 
them  and  interrogated  them — who  and  from  whence  they 
came  and  for  what?  They  said  they  were  from  the  Baths 
in  the  neighborhood,  and  had  come  to  see  all  the  sights. 
We  asked  them  to  enter;  they  said  it  was  far  easier  to 
enter  than  to  go  out,  and  besides,  that  they  thought  we 
could  not  have  everything  we  wished.  No  doubt  they 
had  seen  the  doctor. 

The  bell  rang  to  retire  to  our  rooms.  A  short  time 
afterwards  the  doctor  appeared  with  two  or  three  soldiers, 
and  demanded  Francesco,  a  man  who  had  left  the  steamer 
which  had  brought  us  from  Galatz.  We  had  employed 
this  man  as  our  servant,  inasmuch  as  he  spoke  German 
and  Italian,  and  we  were  subjected  to  every  kind  of  impo- 
sition from  the  beggarly  Austrians,  they  giving  us  no 
tariff  but  one  in  German. 

The  record  sets  forth  the  further  tribulation  in 
quarantine,  where  the  surly  medical  official  tries  to 
injure  the  party,  as  he  endeavors  to  arrest  their 


68 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


attendant  on  the  ground  of  his  non-possession  of 
a  passport.    On  the  next  day,  the 

15th.  The  doctor  made  his  appearance  with  his  suite 
of  soldiers  and  demanded  Francesco,  but  on  showing 
another  paper  which  he  had  purposely  withheld,  he  es- 
caped imprisonment.  When  we  got  up,  we  found  the 
gates  of  our  court-yard  shut,  and  orders  issued  that  there 
should  be  no  communication  between  us — that  we  should 
not  even  dine  together,  nor  visit  with  a  guardian.  This 
was  a  little  too  bad!  He  had  already  deprived  us  of  many 
privileges,  which  we  had  a  right  to  demand,  and  now  he 
was  disposed  to  treat  us  rather  as  thieves  than  gentlemen. 
We  had  as  yet  done  nothing;  we  had  merely  defended  our 
servant,  whose  assistance  as  an  interpreter  was  indispen- 
sable. The  idea  of  not  seeing  our  friends,  made  us  quite 
melancholy;  but  this  was  soon  cast  of?  when  it  was  pro- 
posed that  we  should  obey  the  orders  of  the  doctor  "  to  air 
our  clothes,"  by  filling  them  with  straw,  and  amusing  our 
friends  by  sticking  them  up  high,  so  that  every  one  could 
see  them.  This  was  soon  done.  Fleming  had  an  old 
blue  coat,  I  an  old  pair  of  black  pantaloons,  and  Mr. 
Vieuxville  a  new  hat.  Unfortunately,  this  coincided  ex- 
actly with  the  dress  of  the  doctor.  We  elevated  the 
stufYed  clothes,  which  soon  produced  a  considerable  ex- 
citement, affording  amusement  to  all  around  us.  We 
and  our  friends  were  quite  contented  with  the  ef?ect 
produced. 

Presently  to  our  astonishment,  when  we  were  reading 
in  our  rooms,  the  jailer  came  and  locked  us  in.  This  was 
a  little  too  severe!  The  doctor  soon  followed,  attended 
by  a  corporal  and  three  soldiers,  and  stationed  them  be- 
fore the  stuffed  clothes.  Finding  we  could  not  get  out  of 
the  door,  we  thought  we  would  enter  the  next  house 
through  a  flue,  ascending  the  chimney  by  means  of  a  rope 
ladder,  which  we  had  made  the  night  before  to  scale  the 
wall  which  separated  us  from  our  friends. 

We  had  returned,  and  all  were  tranquil,  when  the  gate 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


69 


opened,  and  the  doctor  entered  accompanied  by  a  suite 
of  officials.  They  came  to  the  window,  and  put  some 
questions  to  us.  We  respond:  "Who  are  you  who  inter- 
rogate us?  "  "  Sir,  do  you  know  whom  you  are  speaking 
to — the  major  of  the  quarantine?"  We  approached  the 
window,  apologized;  said  that  it  was  necessary  to  know 
who  addressed,  as  it  could  not  be  expected  that  we  would 
answer  any  impudent  rascal,  like  the  doctor,  whenever  he 
thought  fit  to  question  us.  The  Captain  said  that  it  gave 
him  great  pleasure  to  address  a  brother  officer.  We  then 
made  our  obeisance,  in  the  most  polite  way.  They  asked 
us  if  we  meant  to  insult  the  Austrian  government.  We 
told  them  that  the  idea  never  entered  our  mind;  that  if 
the  doctor  insisted  it  was  an  effigy  of  him,  it  was  a  per- 
sonal affair.  We  then  told  the  major  our  grievances,  the 
total  want  of  politeness  on  the  part  of  the  doctor.  The 
doctor  cried  out  all  the  time  "  I  shall  have  satisfaction." 
We  told  the  major  that  we  should  say  no  more;  that 
we  had  informed  them  of  our  reason  for  elevating  our 
clothes;  that  if  the  doctor  still  persisted  it  was  an  image 
of  his  person,  the  Captain  offered  him  any  satisfaction  he 
sought,  and  kindly  offered  him  his  choice  of  any  one  of  us 
three,  when  out  of  quarantine.  Fortunately  for  himself 
and  perhaps  for  us,  he  refused  such  satisfaction,  insisting 
that  we  must  be  conducted  to  prison,  or  he  would  leave 
the  quarantine.  All  this  time  he  was  most  violent,  in 
menacing  gestures  and  words  in  a  language  which  I  could 
not  understand.  We  asked  the  major  if  that  was  gentle- 
manly; he  shrugged  his  shoulders,  as  much  as  to  say 
"  don't  mind  him."  The  secretary  of  the  quarantine  who 
was  the  interpreter  of  the  party,  said  that  he  hoped  we 
would  remain  tranquil,  and  that  if  we  wished  anything,  to 
write  to  him.  Francesco  not  having  any  passport,  was 
obliged  to  go  to  prison.  We  apologized  to  the  major,  for 
having  indirectly  troubled  him. 

The  major  desired  us  to  remove  the  offending  object. 
A  soldier  was  left — for  what  purpose,  we  knew  not;  we 
asked  the  doctor;   he  could  not  tell  us.     One  of  us 


70 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


attempted  to  remove  it,  when  the  soldier  presented  his  gun 
and  cocked  it. 

They  had  taken  away  our  servant,  and  consequently, 
unless  we  suffered  ourselves  to  be  cheated,  we  could  not 
obtain  any  dinner.  Very  fortunately,  we  had  brought  a 
ham  into  quarantine,  and  Bennett  had  a  small  heating 
apparatus.  We  cut  the  ham  in  slices,  and  put  them  on  a 
plate,  and  the  latter  article  over  the  heater.  We  enjoyed 
our  dinner  much, 

i6th.  The  servant  asked  us  if  we  wished  dinner, 
we  told  him  we  would  have  nothing  until  we  had  a 
Tariff,  and  made  our  dinner  on  our  ham.  The  restaura- 
teur would  not  give  us  any  forks  or  knives,  so  that  we 
were  obliged  to  cut  our  ham  with  a  razor,  and  eat  it  with 
forks  made  of  wood  and  our  penknives.  This  afternoon 
the  agent  of  the  steamer  called;  he  was  very  civil,  heard 
our  grievances,  and  said  that  he  would  call  on  the  major 
himself. 

i/th.  Ham  dinner  again.  Our  friends  met  us  in  the 
afternoon.  Delighted  to  see  them.  The  Armenian  lady 
has  acted  with  much  spirit;  she  said  that  she  did  not  care 
about  her  liberty,  when  we  were  slaves  or  prisoners;  and 
that  if  she  was  compelled  to  visit  the  German  chamber- 
maid and  not  us,  she  would  prefer  to  remain  in  her  room. 
When  we  were  all  together,  the  agent  of  steamers  came 
to  see  us;  he  had  drawn  up  a  protest  against  the  doctor 
to  be  handed  to  the  major.  He  said  that  he  called  on  the 
major;  that  the  major  and  many  other  persons,  some  of 
considerable  influence  in  Europe,  had  made  complaints 
against  the  doctor  already,  and  that  a  courier  had  been 
despatched  the  previous  evening  to  bring  here  a  Commis- 
sioner, to  examine  into  the  complaints.  It  is  a  fortunate 
thing  for  us  that  the  major  and  the  agent  have  personal 
complaints  against  the  doctor.  We  were  granted  permis- 
sion to  go  around  the  wall,  but  the  agent  advised  us  not 
to  avail  ourselves  of  it. 

i8th.  While  we  were  washing,  the  doctor  came  to  the 
door  of  our  house,  and  requested  to  see  us;  we  told  him 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


71 


to  wait  until  we  were  dressed.  He  came  into  where  we 
were  washing,  most  politely  asked  us  how  we  were,  and 
whether  we  had  received  a  Tariff  in  Italian  (we  had) ;  that 
if  there  was  anything  we  wished  that  was  not  on  the  Tariff, 
to  mention  it  the  day  before,  and  we  should  have  it.  We 
dined  together  today;  passed  it  pleasantly;  took  a  walk 
in  the  evening  before  the  gates  were  shut.  We  have  at 
last  obtained  our  washerwoman,  a  nice  looking,  German 
damsel. 

When  the  gates  were  closed  for  the  evening,  Joseppi  our 
Italian  interpreter  came  to  us  and  said  that  he  would  come 
again  in  the  evening,  and  tell  us  something  important.  We 
watched  out  for  him  and  at  dark  saw  him  at  the  door.  He 
gave  us  the  intelligence  that  tomorrow  morning  at  five 
o'clock  two  of  us  would  be  in  irons  in  prison.  We  could 
not  do  otherwise  than  believe  it,  inasmuch  as  we  had  seen 
what  free  use  they  made  of  their  chains;  for  poor  Joseppi 
was  put  in  chains  this  morning,  and  kept  there  for  three 
hours,  because  he  had  introduced  into  our  rooms  a  wash- 
erwoman, without  consulting  the  doctor  who  wished  to 
employ  another.  We  arranged  all  our  things;  vowed  to 
defend  and  stick  by  each  other  to  the  last.  As  we  had 
the  expectation  of  a  pallet  of  straw,  the  court  dress  of 
Austria  with  its  bracelets,  etc.,  we  thought  we  would  enjoy 
our  bed  for  the  last  time  for  some  period — stretch  out  our 
limbs  and  play  the  gentleman,  for  tomorrow  we  were  to 
be  state  prisoners;  and  for  what?  What  have  we  done  to 
bring  ourselves  to  an  equality  with  malefactors?  Had  we 
disobeyed  the  laws  of  quarantine?  Here  we  were  to  be 
confined  and  chained,  without  the  power  of  saying  a  word 
in  our  defence!  I  had  a  disturbed  rest;  my  imagination 
brought  before  me  strange  and  disagreeable  scenes.  I 
awoke  just  at  five;  the  doctor  had  not  yet  appeared.  Per- 
haps the  servant  was  wrong,  or  had  deceived  us. 


Later  in  the  morning  the  doctor  came,  bringing 
word  from  the  Commander-in-Chief,  that  the  party 


72 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


should  be  held  as  prisoners  until  the  arrival  of  the 
Commissioner.  By  advice  of  the  major,  the  af- 
flicted ones  themselves  wrote  to  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  asking  that  the  commission  be  sent  at 
once.  They  wrote  also  to  the  English  Consul 
and  to  Mr.  Muhlenberg,  the  American  Minister 
at  Vienna. 

Four  soldiers  were  marched  into  the  premises 
occupied  by  our  travellers.  Afterward  the  EngHsh 
Consul  called  and  rendered  some  welcome  service. 
He  joined  his  offer  of  parole  to  that  of  the  major, 
on  the  strength  of  which  the  ones  held  in  detention 
might  leave  the  place.    Again  : 

20th.  Wrote  according  to  the  request  of  Col.  Hodges, 
British  Consul,  our  grievances  in  detail.  The  Director  of 
Lazaret  who  has  just  returned  from  an  excursion  against 
some  robbers  in  the  neighborhood,  called  on  us  early  this 
morning;  he  is  an  exceedingly  polite  and  gentlemanly 
man,  advanced  in  years.  He  expressed  his  regret  that  he 
had  been  absent;  apologized  for  the  doctor,  saying  that 
his  conduct  had  been  disgraceful,  but  that  he  was  a  man 
"  sans  education."  On  leaving  us  he  told  the  guardians 
that  if  any  of  them  were  guilty  of  the  least  incivility  to- 
wards us,  they  should  be  immediately  discharged.  After 
breakfast  we  had  a  visit  from  the  Secretary  of  Lazaret, 
who  kindly  sympathizes  with  us,  and  says  that  he  thinks 
the  doctor  will  be  discharged. 

The  others  have  been  allowed  to  walk  about  the  quaran- 
tine, and  dine  together.    We  are  prisoners.' 

This  afternoon  we  were  aroused  by  some  noise,  and  on 
enquiry,  heard  that  the  doctor  had  ordered  Sam  [Mr. 
Whitlock,]  Thring  and  Cram  to  their  rooms,  saying  that 
they  must  remain  there,  prisoners,  until  the  Commission 
arrives,  which  he  says  will  probably  be  on  Wednesday 
next.    This  is  bad  news!    I  am  dreadfully  enervated  and 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


73 


worried.  I  can't  see  how  the  word  or  parole  of  a  Major 
and  British  Consul  can  be  cancelled  by  the  ipse  dixit  of 
a  physician. 

2ist.  News  received  from  Director  that  the  Commis- 
sion will  arrive  tonight,  and  we  be  out  of  this  hole 

tomorrow. 

It  was  a  serious  and  unfortunate  experience  for 
our  travellers,  else  so  much  space  would  not  have 
been  devoted  to  it  in  the  journal.  That  it  was 
keenly  felt  by  the  participants  is  further  show^n  in 
the  entry  made  on  the  same  day  as  the  last: 

Read  the  English  service  in  compan}-  with  Bennett  and 
Fleming.  The  Psalm  of  the  Day  (the  105th)  was  ex- 
tremely appropriate  to  our  situation. 

There  are  other  reasons  for  the  insertion  here  of 
the  records  of  the  time,  despite  their  lengthened 
dimension.  The  occurrence  needs  telling  as  a 
vivid  part  of  the  life  that  was  lived,  an  experience 
unusual  in  any  biography.  Again,  the  story  will 
show  the  possibilities  of  existence  in  quarantine  at 
the  date  referred  to  and  under  the  rule  of  an  offi- 
cious health  officer  pufTed  up  by  his  petty  authority. 

The  frequent  mention  of  quarantine  throughout 
the  journal  will  call  attention  to  the  universal  dread 
of  the  plague,  which  a  few  years  before  had  wrought 
havoc  in  the  older  lands,  and  about  the  near  ap- 
proach of  which  there  were  reports  at  the  time. 

At  last,  deliverance  is  at  hand. 

22nd.  This  evening,  the  long  expected  Commission 
arrived.    They  were  twelve  or  fifteen  in  number;  they 


74 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


received  us  with  much  civility,  and  desired  us  to  make  our 
complaints  in  writing. 

The  doctor  called  on  us  this  morning  at  eight  o'clock; 
made  us  show  our  bodies  to  see  that  we  were  not  affected 
with  the  plague;  then  shook  hands,  saying  in  French 
that  our  probation  was  finished.  We  supposed,  from 
this,  that  we  were  free,  and  would  soon  be  at  liberty 
and  join  again  our  friends;  but  on  inquiry,  we  found 
that  his  cordial  shake  of  hands  was  only  a  piece  of  cold 
formality. 

23rd.  The  Commission  commenced  their  sitting  at 
seven  o'clock.  At  ten  o'clock,  Capt.  Bennett,  Fleming 
and  myself,  were  waited  upon  by  the  aide-de-camp  of  the 
Colonel  and  our  friend  the  Steamer  Agent,  and  desired  to 
appear  before  the  Commission.  The  Secretary  read  the 
complaints  of  the  doctor  against  us,  which  we  proved  to 
be  entirely  unfounded  in  every  instance.  Bennett  then,  on 
the  request  of  the  Colonel,  read  our  complaints  against 
the  doctor,  which  were  interpreted  by  the  agent.  All 
present  were  astounded  at  the  base  behavior  of  the  doctor. 
We  were  kept  in  attendance  three  hours,  the  time  being 
occupied  in  translating  our  complaints,  which  the  Colonel 
desired  us  to  retain  to  be  sent  to  his  government.  On 
retiring,  they  said  that  we  were  free,  but  must  wait  the 
examination  of  the  other  gentlemen,  in  order  to  make  the 
whole  affair  as  clear  as  possible  against  the  doctor.  After 
dinner,  the  rest  were  called  in,  in  order.  Rhinelander  and 
Rawnsley  had  been  detained,  when  the  doctor  had  told  the 
English  Consul  that  they  had  been  guilty  of  nothing.  At 
seven  o'clock,  we  were  all  summoned.  They  received  us 
standing.  The  Colonel  then  addressed  us;  said  that  we 
were  acquitted,  apologized  for  our  detention;  that  he 
should  inform  our  government  of  our  innocence,  and  of 
the  course  his  government  should  take  in  the  punishment 
of  the  doctor  for  our  uncalled-for  treatment.  He  closed 
his  address  by  saying  that  we  were  free  to  leave  when  we 
might  choose,  and  advising  the  Captain  when  he  should 
again  receive  ill  treatment  from  the  doctor  of  a  Lazaretto, 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


75 


not  to  hang  him  up  until  he  was  clear  of  the  quarantine. 
The  agent  stayed  with  the  Commission  until  twelve 
o'clock,  making  charges  against  the  doctor.  We  left 
the  quarantine  at  eight  o'clock  for  Orsova. 

24th.  Detained  until  five  o'clock,  P.M.  in  obtaining 
our  passport.  We  had  been  kept  too  late  in  quarantine 
to  meet  the  steamer,  or  to  send  a  special  messenger  to 
detain  her  for  us.  Went  oflf  to  Mehadiah,  a  beautiful 
watering  place,  situated  between  mountains  with  a  tor- 
rent running  between  them.  We  entered  the  town  at  nine 
o'clock.  A  gay  scene  was  presented  to  us;  all  the  fashion- 
ables were  promenading,  and  a  fine  band  of  music  playing 
in  the  streets.  The  only  sleeping  apartment  to  be  had  was 
the  ball-room.  We  were  great  lions,  being  recognized  as 
the  rioters  at  the  quarantine. 

25th.  Took  a  beautiful  walk  through  this  lovely  place; 
took  a  bath,  called  on  Col.  Hodges  and  lounged  through 
the  day. 

26th.  This  morning  at  three  o'clock,  left  for  Pest,  by 
post.  Sam,  Fleming  and  Capt.  Bennett  preferred  to  re- 
main, rather  than  make  the  disagreeable  land  travel;  we 
wished  to  save  time.  Our  vehicle  was  nothing  more  than 
a  country  wagon,  without  seats  even;  we  were  obliged  to 
use  our  luggage  and  hay,  for  this  purpose. 

27th — 29th.  We  found  the  road  extremely  dusty;  I  was 
fortunate  enough  to  have  a  veil.  Our  wagons  broke 
down  constantly,  and  sometimes  detained  us  for  hours. 
We  travelled  all  night,  and  after  much  inconvenience  and 
fatigue,  reached  Pest  at  eleven  o'clock,  I  have  never 
passed  through  a  country  that  can  compare  with  Hungary, 
in  richness  of  soil  and  cultivation;  you  see  fields  of  grain 
ten  miles  square.  The  men  are  lazy,  the  women  the  prin- 
cipal agriculturists.  The  women  are  extremely  amiable 
and  pretty.  We  met  with  much  roguery  from  the  post- 
masters, such  as  showing  false  tariffs;  withholding  change, 
a  very  common  habit,  as  far  as  I've  seen  in  Hungary.  We 
had  on  one  occasion  as  our  postboy,  a  lad  who  spoke 
Latin  as  fluently  as  his  own  tongue,  and  as  correctly — 


76 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


according  to  our  Englishman  who  took  the  first  honors 
at  Cambridge — as  the  best  scholars  in  England. 

30th.  Roamed  through  Pest,  a  beautifully  built  town, 
with  broad  streets  well  paved,  and  prettily  finished  houses. 
It  is  celebrated  for  its  fine  baths.  I  was  struck  with  the 
beauty  of  the  signs  before  all  the  shops.  I  purchased 
some  brushes  from  a  man  who  had  a  coronet  on  his  ring. 
At  dinner  we  saw  some  of  our  quarantine  associates;  after 
dinner,  called  on  our  Armenian  friends.  Went  to  the 
opera — Belisarius. 

31st.  Intended  to  have  left  this  evening  by  the  peasant 
post,  and  so  arrive  at  Vienna  before  the  steamer  and  gain 
a  day  at  Pest;  but  by  some  rascality,  after  we  had  left  and 
got  about  a  mile  on  our  way,  we  were  informed  that  our 
carriage  was  unfit  to  proceed,  and  that  we  must  conse- 
quently return  to  Pest.  The  valet  de  place  who  made  our 
arrangements  was  to  be  blamed.  In  an  hour's  time  he 
would  procure  another  vehicle;  we  waited  until  ten  o'clock, 
when  he  arrived  and  said  that  he  had  a  carriage,  but  must 
walk  a  mile  or  two  out  of  town  to  meet  the  conveyance. 
We  had  lost  much  time,  and  were  unwilling  to  make 
concessions;  therefore  we  desired  him  to  return  the  money 
we  had  advanced,  which  he  did. 

August  1st.  This  morning,  found  Thring  exceedingly, 
in  fact  dangerously  ill  of  bilious  colic.  At  five  o'clock,  he 
was  pronounced  out  of  danger,  and  we  thought  of  leaving 
him — taking  the  Eilwagen — but  again  we  were  frustrated 
by  the  rascality  and  deception  of  the  Hungarians. 

2nd.  Thring  is  much  better,  but  extremely  weak.  Great 
news  from  the  East:  Mahomet  Ali  has  vanquished,  in  a 
masterly  manner,  the  forces  of  the  Sultan;  it  is  even 
rumored  that  the  Turkish  fleet  has  surrendered  to  the 
Egyptian,  that  the  English  and  French  fleet  are  in  the 
Dardanelles,  and  that  Russia  meditates  an  attack  upon 
Constantinople  or  that  as  an  ally  she  will  defend  the  Dar- 
danelles against  the  English  and  French  and  Egyptians. 

My  attention  was  drawn  today  to  a  strange  object,  at  the 
corner  of  the  principal  street;  it  resembled  the  trunk  of  a 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


77 


tree  covered  with  iron.  On  examination  and  inquiry,  we 
found  that  a  locksmith  had  made  a  lock  and  placed  it  in 
this  public  situation,  offering  a  large  reward  to  any  that 
could  open  it,  and  demanding  that  all  that  failed  should 
afBx  a  nail  to  the  trunk  of  the  tree.  It  is  now  actually 
sheeted  with  iron  nails. — It  is  a  delightful  custom  of  the 
country  to  have  music  all  the  time  you  are  at  dinner,  and 
at  supper  also.  The  Casino  is  a  delightful  place — news- 
papers from  every  part  of  Europe — splendid  ballrooms. 

3rd.  Left  in  the  steamer  for  Vienna;  boat  very  small 
(The  Nador),  40  horse  power.  The  river,  in  point  of 
scenery,  much  finer  than  the  part  of  the  Danube  we  have 
already  seen;  the  view  is  occasionally  relieved  by  an  old 
ruined  castle.  Many  passengers,  consisting  principally  of 
Hungarian  nobility — rather  a  tough  set  in  spite  of  their 
gentle  blood!  Passed  the  night  horribly — no  regular 
sleeping  accommodations. 

4th.  Much  amused  and  disgusted  by  Hungarian  man- 
ners. They  use  no  soap  to  wash  their  hands,  but  fill  their 
mouth  with  water,  and  then  spit  it  out  on  their  hands;  they 
wash  or  clean  their  teeth  with  the  forefinger.  When  they 
sit  down  to  table,  they  take  off  their  coats,  and  proceed  to 
the  tedious  and  arduous  duty  of  wading  through  a  German 
meal,  which  consists  of  a  series  of  sweets,  sour  salads  and 
grease. — At  two  o'clock,  arrived  at  Presburg,  where  the 
Diet  now  sits.  We  intended  to  leave  immediately  for 
Vienna,  but  to  our  disappointment  no  carriage  was  to  be 
taken  without  the  vilest  imposition;  so  we  determined  to 
remain  with  the  steamer  which  leaves  in  the  morning. 
Very  disagreeable!  Obliged  to  leave  the  boat,  and  go  to 
the  hotel.  Poor  Francesco,  extremely  ill  with  the  bilious 
colic,  removed  to  the  hospital. 

Presburg  is  a  beautiful  place.  Some  excitement  in  the 
Diet.  The  King  demands  soldiers,  and  the  Diet  demands 
the  release  of  some  of  their  nobility.  I  don't  feel  well; 
severe  headache,  no  appetite. 

5th.  At  five  o'clock,  with  few  passengers,  left  for  Vi- 
enna; wind  strong;  the  boat  found  it  extremely  difficult 


78 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


to  make  way  against  the  current,  sometimes  it  was  sta- 
tionary. We  arrived,  three  hours  after  time,  at  Vienna,  or 
at  the  place  where  carriages  are  in  readiness  to  take  you 
to  Vienna.  The  Custom-house  officers,  whom  I  had  so 
much  dreaded,  treated  us  remarkably  well.  No  difficulty, 
in  the  least!  Vienna  seemed,  in  the  distance,  situated  on 
a  plain,  with  mountains  rising  in  the  rear.  Our  ride  for 
an  hour  was  through  the  Prater,  a  large  park,  a  fashion- 
able place  for  driving  and  a  lively  scene  of  gayety  on 
Sundays  and  holydays;  it  abounds  with  deer.  We  stopt 
at  "The  Lamb"  in  the  Faubourg — all  full;  thence  went 
to  the  Kaiserinn  von  Oestreich,  where  we  found  good 
accommodations. 

6th.  Went  to  our  Bankers,  the  Police  Office — to  obtain 
our  Carte  du  Sejour,  and  to  the  Custom-house  to  obtain 
some  books.  Our  minister,  Mr.  Muhlenberg,  is  out  of 
town — in  Italy  with  his  family.  He  had  received  my  letter 
and  had  spoken  to  Prince  Metternich,  who  said  that  we 
would  be  liberated  before  a  letter  could  reach  us.  The 
Viennese  dine  between  one  and  two,  so  that  two  or  more 
hours  are  lost  each  day.  Took  a  walk  on  the  Glacis,  in 
the  Volksgarten,  and  went  to  the  Church  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, where  there  is  a  beautiful  monument  to  Maria  Chris- 
tina, wife  of  Albert.  It  is  by  Canova;  the  design  re- 
minds you  of  his  own  tomb  at  Venice;  youth  and  age  are 
beautifully  contrasted.  It  is  considered  one  of  his  finest 
efforts.  In  the  Volksgarten  is  a  statue  of  Theseus  by 
Canova;  it  is  a  bold,  spirited  thing,  placed  in  a  miniature 
temple  of  Theseus.  Spent  the  evening  at  the  Opera.  A 
Ballet  "The  Revolt  of  the  Harem"  well  got  up;  the  last 
act  admirable.  The  women  of  the  Harem  appear  as  sol- 
diers fortified  in  a  recess  of  the  mountains.  They  were  as 
well  drilled  as  so  many  Austrian  soldiers;  were  provided 
with  real  guns  and  fired  a  volley.  It  was  admirably  done. 
The  house  is  splendid,  tastefully  decorated  and  large. 

7th.  Went  to  the  Arsenal,  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world, 
beautifully  arranged.  It  was  crowded.  A  guide  accom- 
panied us,  giving  a  minute  description  of  the  various 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


79 


objects  of  curiosity,  in  German — which  made  it  extremely 
irksome.  There  are  arms  for  300,000  men.  Among  the 
curious  things  is  the  coat  of  Gustavus  Adolphus — with 
a  hole  in  it — which  was  perforated  by  the  bullet  which 
caused  his  death. 

Paid  a  second  visit  to  the  Church  of  St.  Augustine  and 
the  Volksgarten.  Our  friend  Thring  arrived  today;  we 
had  left  him  at  Pest  recovering  from  his  illness.  Today, 
after  dinner,  I  had  a  severe  chill,  and  am  somewhat 
alarmed;  my  headache  still  remains.  Rhinelander,  for  the 
last  few  days,  has  kept  his  room,  complaining  of  a  severe 
headache  also. 

8th.  Visited  the  Imperial  Gallery  at  the  Belvedere;  a 
large  collection  of  paintings  of  the  Italian  School.  !Much 
trash,  and  but  few  fine  paintings. 

Here  follows  a  list  of  canvases.  After  a  reference 
to  Ruisdael,  Rubens,  Gerhard,  Dow,  Teniers,  Al- 
brecht  Diirer  and  other  artists,  our  traveller  records 
his  impression: 

Although  these  paintings  are  of  such  a  remote  date,  they 
please  by  brilliancy  and  freshness;  but  are  indeed  too  vit- 
reous in  appearance.  Some  modern  paintings  quite  beau- 
tiful. A  vile  collection  of  statues,  four  or  five  in  number; 
one,  a  reclining  figure,  is  quite  pretty. 

Another  chill  today,  and  as  Rhinelander  called  in  a 
physician  yesterday,  I  thought  it  advisable  to  call  in  one 
myself — Dr.  Vivenot,  who  sent  me  to  bed  this  evening. 

9th.  This  morning  quite  sick;  raging  headache;  much 
pleased  with  the  kindness  of  the  physician.  The  servants 
extremely  kind;  the  chambermaid,  in  the  absence  of  a 
nurse,  sat  up  with  me  all  night,  and  applied  ice  to  my 
head  every  five  minutes. 

loth.  Passed  a  bad  night;  the  fever  very  severe,  also 
the  chill.  I  feel  no  better,  and  lose  confidence  in  my 
physician.    Rhinelander  remains  as  he  was. 


8o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


nth.  Rhinelander  at  nine  o'clock  was  much  better;  at 
two  o'clock  he  was  much  altered  for  the  worse;  he  became 
extremely  enervated  and  ill.  The  physician  was  sent  for. 
He  was  much  astonished  when  he  saw  his  patient,  and 
hurrying  into  my  room,  with  his  face  flushed,  asked  "  Is 
he  a  Catholic?  "  At  first,  I  did  not  perceive  his  meaning, 
but  afterwards  I  soon  perceived  that  my  poor  friend  was 
just  hovering  between  life  and  death.  At  four  o'clock,  he 
was  still  much  more  enervated;  another  physician  was  called 
in.  The  disease  had  changed  to  cholera,  and  poor  Phil's 
life  was  despaired  of.  We  inquired  for  a  Protestant  cler- 
gyman: in  this  gay  city,  not  one  was  to  be  found,  who 
spoke  English.  One  of  our  English  friends,  Thring, 
kindly  volunteered  to  read  the  Service  for  the  Visitation 
of  the  Sick,"  in  which  my  poor  friend  entered  with  much 
interest.  I  was  anxious  to  leave  my  bed,  and  visit  my 
sick  friend,  but  it  was  forbidden.  He  sent  me  messages 
to  his  friends,  which  I  was  obliged  to  commit  to  Cram,  in 
consequence  of  my  inability  to  write.  He  lingered  until 
nine  o'clock,  in  great  agony  and  anxious  for  death.  He 
said  "  he  was  happy  "  and  that  *'  he  loved  his  sister."  At 
nine  o'clock,  he  calmly  died  away.  What  an  affliction  of 
Providence!  I  scarcely  can  realize  it — that  one  who  yes- 
terday, who  this  very  morning  was  so  strong  and  spirited, 
was  cut  down  and  removed  from  all  things  living! — one 
just  in  the  prime  of  life,  just  entering  upon  his  estate;  one 
just  arriving  home,  after  an  absence  of  nearly  two  years; 
taken  sick  in  a  strange  land,  and  carried  of?  without  the 
privilege  of  saying  adieu  to  beloved  relationr  and  friends. 
How  gloomy  are  now  the  once  pleasant  associations!  The 
retrospect  is  now  all  saddened.  I  cannot  think  of  one 
pleasant  hour,  but  that  I  recall  to  mind  the  friend  who  has 
been  taken  from  us.  But  he  died  happy:  this  should  be 
to  all  sufficient  consolation,  and  it  should  be  always  re- 
membered that  "  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way."  'Tis 
certainly  a  great  blow.  With  what  pleasure  we  had  all 
looked  forward  to  Vienna!  The  amusements  we  had  set 
apart  to  add  to  our  pleasure — what  are  they  now  to  us? 


f 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  8l 

It  is  so  unexpected!  In  Egypt  we  looked  for  sickness  and 
danger,  but  at  Vienna  we  expected  to  find  nothing  but 
amusement.  We  have  been  so  intimately  associated  since 
we  left  America,  that  I  feel  as  if  I  had  lost  a  near  relative 
— it  makes  such  ravage  in  our  little  party! 

I2th.  Passed  a  horrible  night.  Yesterday  I  obtained 
a  nurse.  She  can't  speak  a  word  of  any  language  intelli- 
gible to  me;  and  is  not  clean,  as  she  wipes  the  spoons  on 
the  sheets,  in  the  absence  of  anything  more  suitable.  The 
body  of  my  friend  is  exposed  today  in  the  Cathedral — a 
custom  of  the  country  to  prevent  burying  alive. — I  don't 
feel  as  well  today.  The  doctor  proposed  a  consultation; 
Baron  Turkheim  was  accordingly  called  in.  My  thoughts 
were  all  gloomy,  and  I  could  think  of  nothing  but  the 
pleasure  of  dying  at  home,  among  your  friends. 

13th.  My  friend  was  buried  at  three  o'clock.  Several 
English  gentlemen  staying  at  the  house,  attended  the 
funeral.  A  Protestant  German  clergyman  had  been  en- 
gaged to  officiate,  when  it  was  afterwards  ascertained  that 
there  was  an  English  clergyman  in  town,  who  kindly 
promised  to  officiate.  At  the  grave,  however,  the  Ger- 
man minister  said  that  the  government  would  not  allow 
the  English  service  to  be  read,  without  special  permis- 
sion. An  Englishman  called  on  me  this  morning,  and 
said  that  anything  he  could  do  for  me,  or  his  friends  in 
town  (for  he  had  several) — that  he  or  they  would  do  it 
with  pleasure;  that  I  must  consider  him  my  servant. 
Others  offered  to  assist  us  in  any  \\2.y ,  financial  or  other- 
wise. Since  I've  travelled,  I  have  received  nothing  but 
kindness  from  the  English.  Our  two  travelling  com- 
panions, Thring  and  Rawnsley,  left  today  for  England. 
It  is  a  melancholy  day,  but  I  feel  better. 

14th.  Permitted  to  take  a  short  ride  to  Prince  Schwar- 
zenberg's  garden,  accompanied  by  Cram  who  is  exceed- 
ingly kind  and'attentive. 

15th.  Our  friends  Fleming  and  Sam  arrived  from  Pest; 
delighted  to  see  them.  They  were  much  shocked  by  the 
dreadful  news.    I  took  another  drive  today. 


6 


t 


82  DOCTOR  TUCKER 

i6th.  I  begin  to  feel  quite  strong.  Another  drive  to 
Prince  S.'s  garden.    I  walk  out  a  little. 

17th.  Accompanied  Mr.  Hatfield  and  my  friends  to 
Hitzing  and  Schonbrunn,  about  three  miles  from  Vienna. 
We  left  at  two  o'clock,  in  the  carriage  of  Mr.  Hatfield. 
Strauss  was  to  play  at  the  Casino  at  Hitzing.  The  palace 
and  gardens  pretty — quite  Frenchified  in  appearance.  The 
place  is  called  from  a  pretty  fountain  (schon  Brunnen) ; 
said  to  be  the  best  water  in  the  world.  Saw  the  Emperor 
in  the  garden;  looks  like  a  benevolent,  good  man,  but  of 
little  mind  or  decision  of  character. 

i8th.  Walked  out  in  the  morning  with  Vivenot.  I  feel 
almost  well,  only  a  little  weak. — Heard  the  opera  of  Som- 
nambula  sung  by  Mad.  Lutgar,  the  favorite  singer  at 
Vienna.  She  has  much  sweetness  of  tone,  not  much  com- 
pass and  moderate  force.  She  sings  very  pleasantly.  I 
should  not  call  her  a  great  singer  by  any  means,  not  so 
great  as  Mad.  A.  whom  we  heard  at  Florence. 

19th.  Visited  the  Archduke  Charles'  palace;  prettily 
furnished.  At  twelve  o'clock  we  heard  as  we  supposed  a 
fine  band  of  music,  but  on  investigation  we  discovered 
that  it  was  nothing  but  a  clock.  It  played  an  overture, 
and  can  play  at  least  fifty  other  pieces  of  music.  It  is  an 
astonishing  piece  of  mechanism  by  Maelzel.  The  collec- 
tion of  drawings  belonging  to  the  Archduke  is  very  ex- 
tensive: 180,000  engravings — some  exceedingly  interesting 
— sketches  and  drawings  by  old  masters;  Raphael's  sketch 
of  the  Transfiguration;  many  figures  of  The  Last  Judg- 
ment, by  Michael  Angelo  himself;  122  sketches  by  Ra- 
phael; 20  by  Andrea  del  Sarto  and  others. 

Paid  a  second  visit  to  the  Belvedere  palace.  Spent  the 
evening  by  invitation,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Swartz,  our 
Consul.  We  met  a  family  of  Fishers  from  Baltimore,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Clay,  Charge  d' Affaires  in  the  absence  of  Mr. 
Muhlenberg,  an  American  Missionary  and-  wife,  an  Eng- 
lish Captain,  etc.  Left  early.  Swartz,  a  good  meaning 
man  perhaps,  but  extremely  coarse  and  disagreeable  in 
manners.    On  my  recovery,  he  told  me  he  was  extremely 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


83 


glad  to  see  me  up,  in  fact  that  there  was  one  in  Vienna 
more  so;  that  he  was  glad  for  my  sake  and  for  his  own, 
because  if  I  died  I  should  give  him  so  much  trouble. 

Since  I  have  been  here,  I  have  heard  Lanner  the  rival 
of  Strauss;  he  is  perhaps  not  so  brilliant,  but  certainly 
plays  with  more  taste,  more  beautiful  finish  and  science. 

On  the  20th  a  visit  is  paid  to  the  Ambras 
Museum. 

Aiter  referring  to  various  antiquities  and  curiosi- 
ties, the  journalist  adds  the  remark: 

Among  the  jewels  which  are  more  brilliant  than  curious, 
is  a  "  splendid  " — at  least  so  its  maker  Benvenuto  Cellini 
thought — salt-cellar;  after  reading  his  own  description,  I 
was  somewhat  disappointed  with  it. 

2ist.  Anxious  to  make  an  excursion  to  Baden  and 
Laxenburg,  but  the  weather  is  too  unfavorable.  The  cabi- 
nets, of  antiquities  and  gems,  closed  for  the  present. — I 
must  not  forget  to  mention  the  noble  Cathedral  of  St. 
Stephen's.  It  is  Gothic,  and  as  far  as  concerns  the  inte- 
rior is  perfect.  Its  tower  however  is  its  chief  beauty; 
nothing  can  exceed  its  graceful  majesty.  It  rises  gradu- 
ally tapering  to  the  skies.  Its  height  is  465  feet.  Unfor- 
tunately it  is  now  three  feet  out  of  the  perpendicular,  and 
they  are  compelled  to  remove  it  for  reconstruction;  they 
commenced  the  operation  of  removal  yesterday.  It  is 
something  of  an  undertaking,  and  many  persons  were 
assembled  to  witness  it. 

22nd.  Rains  very  hard.  Paid  a  visit  to  our  Armenian 
friends  who  are  recovering  from  their  illness,  with  the 
exception  of  poor  Thomas  who  has  left  for  Constantinople 
in  consequence  of  ill  health. 

24th.  Today  at  one  o'clock,  we  leave  in  the  "Eilwagen" 
for  Linz.  Our  friends  Messrs.  Morrot  and  Vieuxville  go 
with  us.  I  am  sorry  that  circumstances  have  interfered 
so  much  with  my  seeing  Vienna  properly.    It  certainly  is 


84 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  most  delightful  place  for  travellers.  Rather,  no  city 
can  equal  or  surpass  it  in  amusement:  a  good  opera, 
theatres,  the  best  instrumental  music,  balls,  fetes— in  fact 
the  people  seem  to  do  nothing  but  amuse  themselves. 
Upon  us,  rather  a  melancholy  impression  is  left. 

Vienna  is  one  of  the  cleanest  cities  I've  seen;  the  pave- 
ment the  best.  Each  stone  a  few  inches  in  diameter  costs 
20  sous.  The  houses  are  large,  and  occupied  by  several 
families.  .  .  .  The  streets  all  radiate  from  the  Cathe- 
dral. No  very  conspicuous  public  buildings;  the  Church 
of  San  Carlo  is  unique  in  its  exterior.  The  shops  are 
prettily  arranged;  no  sidewalks — constant  danger  of  hav- 
ing the  toes  taken  off,  unless  care  is  observed  in  turning 
corners. 

We  left  the  city  at  one  o'clock.  Our  road  lay  toward 
Schonbrunn,  so  that  I've  seen  the  palace  three  times. 
The  Eil-  or  Speed  Wagon  is  not  such  a  rapid  manner  of 
travelling  as  its  name  would  indicate.  Horses  are  changed 
at  each  post,  every  two  German  miles  (lo  English). 
Some  of  the  vehicles  are  intended  for  four,  others  for  eight 
persons.  There  is  no  reason  for  slow  travelling,  but  the 
repugnance  of  Germans  to  hurry  themselves;  they  look 
upon  dignified  inaction  as  the  height  of  luxury.  The  first 
town  we  passed  through  was  Hiitteldorf,  a  place  much  re- 
sorted to  by  the  Viennese  in  summer;  you  see  here  some 
beautiful  villas,  and  the  country  is  cultivated  and  pictu- 
resque by  nature.  We  met  crowds  of  men  and  women 
walking  along  the  road,  on  their  way  to  some  pilgrimage 
Church;  they  are  generally  preceded  by  a  priest  carrying 
a  cross.  Near  Purkersdorf,  you  pass  along  the  Wien,  a 
torrent  which  gives  the  name  to  the  Austrian  capital.  At 
nine  o'clock,  at  St.  Polten,  we  had  a  German  supper,  con- 
sisting of  meats  and  beer  in  abundance. 

Travelled  all  night— a  thing  to  me  by  no  means  agree- 
able. The  Germans  travel  by  night,  to  allow  themselves 
more  time  to  eat  and  drink  during  the  day. 

25th.  At  six  o'clock,  breakfasted  at  Strengberg.  It 
being  Sunday,  we  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


85 


picturesque  costumes  which  you  find  in  every  section  of 
this  part  of  the  country.  Two  German  miles  farther  on, 
we  found  Enns,  a  town  of  2000  inhabitants;  its  old  walls 
were  built  out  of  the  money  which  was  paid  for  Richard 
Coeur  de  Lion's  ransom.  All  along  the  road  from  this 
town  to  Linz,  you  see  representations  of  St,  Florian,  who 
is  much  esteemed  by  the  Austrians  and  Bavarians — he 
being  principally  engaged  as  chief  engineer  on  all  occa- 
sions of  fire. 

Three  or  four  miles  from  Linz  is  Ebersberg,  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  a  long  wooden  bridge.  The  town  was  the 
scene  of  a  severe  engagement  between  the  French  and  the 
Austrians  in  1809.  The  passage  was  disputed  with  much 
spirit.  In  this  town  the  battle  was  kept  up,  and  12000  men 
fell.  A  mile  or  two  further  on  you  pass  a  tower,  a  part  of 
the  series  of  towers,  forming  the  new  fortifications  just 
finished  at  Linz. 

We  reached  Linz  about  twelve  o'clock,  and  took  up  our 
quarters  at  the  house  opposite  the  Post,  the  Golden  Can- 
non. After  dinner,  we  took  a  valet  de  place  and  a  fiacre. 
A  young  Swiss  gentleman,  on  understanding  our  inten- 
tion of  making  a//?/// through  the  village  and  imme- 
diate environs,  came  to  us  and  in  a  polite  way  requested 
permission  to  join  our  party,  saying  as  an  apology  for 
making  the  request,  that  he  believed  there  was  no  one  of 
the  party  who  could  speak  German,  which  was  the  only 
language  with  which  our  guide  or  valet  was  conversant. 
We  gladly  accepted  his  ofifer,  and  endeavored  to  pack  our 
party  as  well  as  possible  in  a  small  vehicle,  and  hastened 
to  visit  the  curiosities  of  the  place.  The  city  is  surrounded 
by  a  series  of  forts,  32  in  number,  about  a  mile  or  two 
apart;  they  occupy  a  circuit  of  nine  miles.  Having  ob- 
tained permission  from  the  Governor,  we  examined  one 
of  the  forts.  Each  tower  is  30  feet  high,  and  80  in  diam- 
eter; they  are  however  so  sunk  in  the  ground  that  only 
the  roof  projects.  Around  each  tower  is  a  ditch,  and  a 
glacis  toward  the  town.  On  viewing  the  inside  arrange- 
ments, you  are  immediately  reminded  of  a  man-of-war. 


86 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Each  tower  consists  of  three  stories:  the  lowest  for  pro- 
visions, and  suppHed  with  a  pump;  the  middle  for  the 
quarters  of  the  troops;  the  highest  is  a  platform  which  is 
mounted  with  ten  guns,  ingeniously  arranged  so  as  to  be 
made  to  bear  on  any  single  spot.  There  are  many  advan- 
tages in  this  system  of  fortification,  but  its  success  is  to 
be  tested.  There  is  much  economy  in  this  series  of  forts 
over  a  long  continuous  fortification,  there  being  32  points 
of  attack.  Each  two  contiguous  forts  have  a  secret  com- 
munication under  the  earth. 

From  the  fort  we  went  up  to  the  Jagermeyer  Garden, 
to  obtain  a  view  of  the  environs.  Near  the  Garden  is  a 
beautiful  Church  almost  finished;  it  is  small  but  perfect  in 
its  way;  it  abounds  in  painted  glass,  whose  varied  tints 
play  fantastically  throughout  the  sacred  place.  Next  to 
the  Church  is  a  Convent;  this  building  has  all  the  appear- 
ance of  a  tower;  it  was  originally  a  fortification.  Here 
we  found  some  young  priests,  one  of  whom  kindly  took 
us  to  a  platform  on  the  top,  which  gave  us  a  splendid 
view  of  the  scenery.  On  the  South,  the  view  fs  bounded 
by  snowy  chains  of  the  Styrian  and  Salzburg  Alps;  the 
Danube  below  you  and  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach  is  seen 
meandering  through  the  valley  which  lies  before  you  in 
all  its  beauty,  richly  ornamented  with  picturesque  chateaus 
and  graceful  looking  cottages. 

The  girls  of  Linz  are  distinguished  in  guide  books  for 
their  beauty.  Perhaps  it  is  ironical  flattery ;  perhaps 
one  unfortunate,,  or  rather  fortunate  fellow,  may  have  met 
with  a  charming  damsel,  and  have  become  enamoured. 
They  all  wear  on  their  heads,  a  kind  of  helmet  of  gold 
gauze,  which  gives  them  the  appearance  of  so  many  Mi- 
nervas,  rather  than  Venuses.  They  seem  too  martial  and 
masculine,  to  please  my  taste;  and  their  costume  is  rather 
curious  than  pretty.  How  different  the  tasteful  way  of 
arranging  the  hair  which  you  find  in  Hungary  and  about 
Vienna! — that  is  all  simplicity  and  beauty. 

Our  Swiss  friend  we  found  all  gentlemanly  in  his  man- 
ners; but  two  bottles  of  beer  made  him  rather  gay,  and  in 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


87 


the  Volksgarten  he  was  far  too  lively.  In  all  German 
towns  you  find  public  gardens  which  on  Sundays  are  en- 
livened by  a  fine  band  of  music,  the  fashionable  part  of  tHe 
community  and  happy  peasantry. — In  honor  of  a  royal 
personage  who  was  staying  at  the  same  hotel,  we  were 
gratified  in  the  evening  by  a  fine  band  of  military  music, 
composed  of  about  50  performers.  It  was  decidedly  the 
best  military  music  we  have  yet  heard.  These  things 
are  well  managed  in  Germany.  The  musicians  have  their 
stands  for  music,  and  are  provided  with  lights,  so  that 
they  can  play  the  most  difficult  pieces. 

26th.  At  six  o'clock  left  for  Salzburg  by  Ischil.  We 
engaged  a  separate  wagon  on  the  railroad,  and  were  con- 
ducted by  means  of  horses  to  Gmunden.  On  our  way  we 
visited  the  Falls  of  the  Traun.  I  was  somewhat  disap- 
pointed after  what  I  had  heard  of  these  celebrated  falls. 
There  was  an  abundance  of  water,  but  I  think  this  is  all 
that  can  be  said.  The  height  is  about  42  feet.  Along  the 
falls  runs  a  curious  aqueduct,  by  means  of  which  the  salt 
barges  ascend  and  descend  the  river.  At  two  o'clock  we 
arrived  at  Gmunden,  a  town  beautifully  situated  on  Lake 
Traunsee.  Here  we  found  a  steamer  in  readiness  to  take 
us  across  the  lake.  It  was  quite  a  miniature  concern,  but 
amply  sufficient  for  the  purpose  intended.  The  lake  is 
small,  but  exceedingly  beautiful.  Its  pure  green  waters 
are  frowned  upon  by  the  majestic  Dachstein  and  the 
gloomy  Trauenstein.  On  one  side  and  in  the  distance, 
the  view  is  terminated  by  retiring  hills,  lively  and  pictu- 
resque with  houses  and  villages.  An  Englishman  is  the 
proprietor  and  captain  of  the  steamer.  Carriages  are  in 
readiness  to  take  passengers  to  Ischil.  They,  on  the 
present  occasion,  were  soon  filled;  we  were  advised  to  wait 
until  the  arrival  of  the  steamer  at  four  o'clock.  In  the 
meanwhile,  we  visited  a  salt  establishment.  The  process 
is  by  evaporation,  the  brinish  water  being  brought  from 
Ischil  by  means  of  aqueducts — it  being  much  cheaper  to 
manufacture  the  salt  here  than  at  Ischil  in  consequence  of 
the  abundance  of  fuel  at  this  place.    In  the  next  steamer, 


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DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  Duchess  of  Parma  arrived,  in  consequence  of  which 
the  palace  was  illuminated,  and  music  was  playing  as  we 
entered  Ischil.  There  was  difficulty  in  finding  a  hotel, 
the  Post  being  full;  got  at  last  taken  in  at  a  small  but 
comfortable  house. 

27th.  Got  out  early.  The  public  bath  is  in  a  fine  house. 
Over  the  door  is  seen  in  large  letters  "  In  sale  et  in  sole 
omnia  consistunt."  Took  a  walk  around  the  town  ; 
crossed  the  river  to  obtain  a  better  view.  It  is  hemmed  in 
on  every  side  by  high  mountains.  We  endeavored  for  a 
long  time  to  find  Schwalmann's  Garden,  to  obtain  another 
view  of  the  town,  and  to  see  the  beautiful  Franzel,  the 
daughter  of  the  host,  who  has  received  so  many  enco- 
miums from  guide-book  writers.  We  were  about  giving 
up  the  search,  when  we  met  a  young  man  who  spoke  a 
few  words  of  French,  who  kindly  accompanied  us  to  the 
garden — which  I  must  allow  is  beautifully  situated.  A 
hunt  was  made  after  Franzel,  whom  we  found  in  the 
kitchen  among  pots  and  dishes.  Each  had  conjured  up 
some  beautiful  image,  when,  what  was  our  disappoint- 
ment to  find  nothing  but  an  antique  beauty,  or  rather  an 
antique  who  they  say  was  a  beauty! 

At  ten  o'clock  we  started  ofF  in  two  posting  establish- 
ments, to  Salzburg.  The  road  was  extremely  interesting, 
passing  by  three  or  four  lakes.  One  post  from  Salzburg, 
we  were  overtaken  by  a  severe  storm  of  rain.  Arrived  at 
Salzburg  about  ten.  Hotel  Schwarzmoor,  which  we  pre- 
ferred in  consequence  of  recommendations  we  had  re- 
ceived of  it,  in  point  of  view. 

28th,  Horrible  rainy  day!  No  one  would  go  out  but 
Mons.  Morrot,  who  visited  the  salt-mines  at  Hallein, 
which  are  exceedingly  interesting.  Vieuxville,  Fleming 
and  myself  were  afraid  of  exposing  ourselves  to  the 
weather  and  to  the  dampness  of  a  salt-mine. 

29th.  Indications  of  a  clear  day,  and  we  determined  to 
visit  the  castle.  We  accordingly  procured  an  order  from 
the  Governor,  and  ascended  at  nine  o'clock.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  a  high  rock  commanding  the  city,  and  during  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


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middle  ages  was  occupied  as  the  residence  and  retreat 
of  the  Archbishops,  against  their  rebellious  subjects,  the 
peasants.  These  Archbishops  were,  during  the  middle 
ages,  princes  of  the  land.  From  the  galleries  of  the 
castle,  you  have  the  finest  view  the  eye  could  wish.  The 
clouds  were  slowly  and  lazily  wreathing  their  way  up  the 
mountain  sides,  and  through  a  small  opening,  the  sun  was 
glancing  his  beams  over  a  distant  part  of  the  valley.  To 
the  cloud  effect  was  added  the  grandeur  of  the  view.  The 
mind  and  eye  could  play  at  random  with  the  size  and  dis- 
tance of  the  mountains;  they  appeared  to  reach  the  very 
skies.  No  limit  could  be  placed  to  their  height.  Ridge 
rises  on  ridge,  and  mountain  on  mountain,  in  silent  dig- 
nity, while  below,  the  eye  could  pleasantly  gaze  on  the  rich 
valley,  which,  with  its  graceful,  bending  river,  its  green 
meadows  and  golden  crops,  its  chateaus  and  villas,  lay  in 
beauty  beneath  us.  I  thought  that  it  was  the  most  pleas- 
ing view  I  had  yet  seen.  The  castle  is  a  curious  old  place, 
containing  some  singular  antique  shields  of  the  Arch- 
bishops, weapons  of  the  peasants,  and  the  stuflfed  skin  of 
a  famous  horse  which  the  leader  of  the  rebels  rode.  The 
torture  chamber  still  is  to  be  seen.  We  returned  by  way 
of  the  Monchsberg,  a  part  of  the  ridge  on  which  the 
castle  stands,  beautifully  laid  out  in  pleasant  walks,  and 
affording  fine  views  of  the  valley.  We  stopped  at  the 
stables  for  the  cavalry;  the  horses  for  the  officers  were 
splendid  animals — a  good  menage.  Near  it  is  the  tunnel 
which  passes  under  the  Monchsberg,  finished  by  an  Arch- 
bishop, who  gave  his  name  to  it — "  Sigismund  Thor." 

In  the  afternoon,  took  a  ride  to  a  garden  belonging 
to  the  Emperor.  It  certainly  abounded  in  curious  play- 
things in  the  shape  of  water-works,  etc.,  but  has  little  else 
to  please;  some  of  the  curious  things  however  are  beauti- 
ful. Fountains  are  so  arranged  as  to  appear  as  glass 
vases  over  natural  flowers.  You  are  requested  to  sit 
down  at  a  table  of  stone,  on  stools  of  stone  with  a  hole  in 
the  middle;  as  soon  as  you  are  seated  you  find  fountains 
springing  up  on  every  side  so  as  to  surround  you  with  jets 


90 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


of  water,  while  you  feel  a  little  nervous  when  you  see 
water  spouting  up  from  the  holes  in  the  unoccupied  seats. 
There  are  large  fish-ponds  in  which  you  see  every  kind  of 
fish,  which  are  exceedingly  fond  of  being  fed  by  visitors. 
There  are  some  curious  specimens  of  mechanism:  in  a 
grotto,  you  find  yourself  surrounded  by  birds,  which  keep 
up  a  most  unmelodious  chant;  you  see  a  large  village — 
all  the  villagers  actively  employed  at  their  difYerent  trades, 
some  amusing  themselves  by  looking  at  a  dancing  bear, 
or  waltzing  to  the  music  of  a  band.  There  are  other 
smaller  pieces  of  mechanism,  well  adapted  to  childish 
tastes. — Mr.  Morrot  left  us  today.  Vieuxville  preferred 
to  remain  with  us,  and  enjoy  an  excursion  to  the  Konig- 
see.    Fleming,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  is  again  quite  unwell. 

30th.  I  forgot  to  mention  the  beautiful  fountain  which 
we  saw  yesterday,  as  we  passed  near  the  Cathedral,  on  our 
way  to  the  castle.  There  is  much  grace  and  skill  shown 
in  the  management  of  the  figures  which  support  the  upper 
receptacle  of  the  water;  perhaps  however  the  figures  are 
too  large,  and  show  too  much  exertion  in  sustaining  a 
basin  too  small  for  their  united  powers. — Today  we  made 
an  excursion  to  the  Konigsee  and  Berchtesgaden.  The 
ride  is  extremely  agreeable,  passing  through  a  beautiful 
valley  and  along  the  side  of  the  Untersberg,  which  is  in- 
teresting as  being  appropriated  to  the  Emperor  Barba- 
rossa  and  his  vassals,  as  a  prison  until  the  day  of  judgment. 
Our  guide  here  gave  way  to  an  excited  imagination,  and 
told  some  curious  stories:  that  this  mountain  was  inhab- 
ited by  beautiful  women,  who  occasionally  allured  the 
poor  peasants  to  their  mountain  recesses,  and  repaid  their 
eager  embraces  with  a  long  period  of  sleep,  which  finished, 
they  returned  them  to  the  world  which  had  undergone  the 
changes  of  a  century.  Entering  the  narrow  defile  of  the 
"  overhanging  rock,"  we  soon  approached  Berchtesgaden, 
which  we  left  on  our  right  and  proceeded  to  the  Royal 
Lake.  Here  boats  were  in  attendance,  to  convey  us  partly 
across  the  lake,  it  being  forbid  to  go  to  the  farther  ex- 
tremity, as  preparations  were  making  for  a  royal  chase. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


9^ 


We  were  rowed  by  women,  something  quite  new  in  its 
way,  and  which  would  have  been  more  agreeable  had  they 
been  pretty  and  more  effeminate  in  appearance.  There  is  a 
melancholy  grandeur  which  surrounds  this  lake.  High 
mountains,  some  covered  w'th  snow,  hem  it  in,  rising 
perpendicularly  from  its  margin  so  as  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  building.  There  is  nothing  to  relieve  its 
solemn  majesty,  but  the  tinkling  bells  of  the  Alpine  herds, 
struggling  in  search  of  scanty  herbage.  Having  traversed 
half  the  lake,  we  arrived  at  the  King's  Hunting-ground, 
where  we  made  our  dinner  on  delicious  trout.  In  the  hall 
are  seen  some  paintings  of  fish,  which  at  different  times 
have  astonished  the  natives  by  their  immense  size,  some 
weighing  20,  30  or  even  50  pounds.  The  manner  of  hunt- 
ing here  is  to  send  out  a  large  number  of  peasants, 
who  ascend  the  mountain  and  collect  together  40  or  50 
chamois;  these  are  hemmed  in  and  driven  into  the  lake. 
The  King  and  his  attendants  are  then  ready,  and  while  the 
peasants  drive  the  chamois  into  the  lake,  and  the  poor 
creatures  are  struggling  in  the  water,  they  fire  upon  them. 
— We  returned  and  stopped  at  Berchtesgaden  on  our  way 
home.  The  place  is  celebrated  for  its  manufacture  of 
toys,  in  wood,  ivory,  bone,  etc.  We  paid  a  visit  to  the 
principal  store,  and  were  much  amused  with  the  ingenuity 
and  skill  shown  in  the  manufacture  of  these  little  things. 
A  female  showed  us  about,  and  gallantry  compelled  us  to 
purchase  some  toy  or  other.  We  arrived  at  the  hotel  at 
seven  o'clock.  Unable  to  procure  seats  in  the  Eilwagen 
for  Munich. 

31st.  Procured  a  long  coucher  (vetturino  establishment) 
to  take  us  to  Munich — to  start  at  ten  o'clock  and  arrive 
at  six  tomorrow.  Before  leaving  Salzburg  we  visited  a 
few  things  that  still  remained  to  be  seen,  such  as  the 
House  of  Mozart,  of  Paracelsus,  the  inventor  of  Elixir 
vitcB  and  the  philosopher's  stone.  In  the  Church  of  St. 
Giles  is  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  Michael  Haydn, 
brother  of  the  composer  of  the  "  Creation." 

At  ten  o'clock  we  left  punctually.    We  were  not  agree- 


92 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


ably  impressed  with  the  appearance  of  our  coachman;  he 
appeared  sulky  and  disobliging,  as  he  afterwards  proved 
to  be.  Our  route  was  not  the  most  agreeable,  not  being 
the  one  through  Reichenhall,  but  the  shortest  by  way  of 

Stein.    We  slept  at  F  ,  a  post  further  on  than  Stein, 

a  place  distinguished  by  a  castle,  which  was  formerly  ten- 
anted by  the  robber  knight  Hans  von  Stein;  the  dungeons 
of  his  unfortunate  captives  are  still  to  be  seen. 

Sept.  1st.  One  post  from  Munich,  while  we  were  re- 
freshing the  horses  with  brown  bread,  of  which  they  are 
extremely  fond,  we  encountered  a  peasant  ball.  They 
were  all  whirling  about  in  grand  style.  Beer  seemed  to 
circulate  freely,  and  even  the  police  officers  were  yielding 
to  its  seductive  influences. 

The  country  presented  a  gay  appearance,  with  its  rich 
costumes.  As  we  approached  Munich,  we  noticed  a 
head-dress  quite  peculiar.  It  is  made  of  gilt  gauze,  and 
fastened  far  back  on  the  head;  it  tapers  ofif  into  two  points 
like  the  tail  of  a  fish.  Since  then,  in  Munich,  we  have  seen 
many  of  them;  some  of  these  are  beautiful  and  costly.  The 
King  is  extremely  anxious  to  keep  up  this  part  of  the 
national  costume.  Some  cost  from  30  to  50  florins. — The 
approach  to  Munich  is  by  no  means  agreeable,  being  by 
a  fiat  plain.    It  rained  hard  as  we  entered  the  city. 

Munich.  "  Cerf  d'Or."  At  first  refused  at  this  hotel, 
the  house  being  full;  however,  they  managed  to  put  us 
four  in  a  room,  with  a  promise  of  two  rooms  tomorrow. 
Saw  again  our  friend  Morrot,  who  had  seen  nearly  all  the 
lions. 

2nd.  Rain.  Mr.  Morrot  accompanied  us  to  the  Pinako- 
thek. — The  streets  seem  very  wide,  the  houses  well  and 
newly  built.  As  we  went  along,  we  passed  by  the  bronze 
obelisk,  in  the  Carolinen-Platz,  erected  by  the  present 
King  to  the  memory  of  30,000  Bavarians,  who  fell  in  the 
Russian  campaign.  It  is  100  feet  high,  and  made  of  the 
cannon  taken  from  the  enemy  by  the  Bavarians. 

The  Pinakothek  was  commenced  in  1826;  it  was  de- 
signed by  Von  Klenze.    It  is  a  beautiful  building  in  itself, 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


93 


and  combines  all  the  conveniences  indispensable  for  a 
picture  gallery.  The  collection  contains  1500  paintings, 
taken  from  the  galleries  of  Diisseldorf,  Mannheim,  Deux 
Fonts  and  others.  The  paintings  are  arranged  in  halls 
according  to  the  schools,  with  cabinets  at  the  sides,  for 
smaller  paintings,  communicating  with  the  larger  rooms. 
A  splendid  corridor  is  now  being  finished,  by  Cornelius, 
Zimmermann,  etc.  It  is  divided  in  25  loggie;  in  each 
loggia,  the  paintings  or  frescoes  illustrate  some  particular 
state  of  the  arts.  There  is  much  taste  shown  in  the  de- 
signs, and  much  power  and  skill  in  the  execution;  still 
they  want  that  lightness,  that  airiness,  which  pleases  so 
much  in  the  Vatican.  There  is  here  too  much  work,  too 
much  paint,  gilding,  etc.,  not  enough  delicacy  in  the 
arabesques. 

The  gems  of  the  collection  are  certainly  the  Murillos, 
which  are  exquisite.  In  one,  two  ragged  boys  are  seen 
eating  melons,  in  another  a  little  girl  purchasing  fruit,  in 
the  third  an  old  woman  examining  a  boy's  head;  these 
are  all  true  to  life,  and  exquisitely  finished,  with  all  the 
softness  and  effect  of  Murillo.  Here  are  some  fine  efforts 
of  Rubens.  His  "  Fall  of  the  Damned "  is  certainly 
a  curious  production,  when  the  position  of  the  figures, 
tumbling  one  on  the  other  in  grand  confusion,  is  consid- 
ered; in  foreshortening,  many  of  the  prominent  figures 
are  complete  studies.  Then  his  "  Judgment,"  a  large 
painting  in  the  centre  of  the  Grand  Hall,  is  considered 
one  of  his  finest  productions,  as  also  his  "  Susan- 
nah." ...  I  have  now  seen  some  of  the  finest  efforts 
of  Rubens,  and  I  must  say,  with  but  little  pleasure.  He 
is  too  gross.  There  is  something  too  fleshy  in  all  his 
compositions,  a  want  of  delicacy,  of  harmony;  too  much 
coloring — something  which  disgusts  me.  His  "  Boar  and 
Lion  Hunt  "  please  me,  but  I  can't,  with  pleasure,  con- 
sider either  his  "  Grand  Judgment "  or  the  "  Fallen 
Angels."  Of  the  Vandycks  the  most  admired  are  his 
"  Susannah,"  "  St.  Sebastian "  and  several  portraits  of 
burgomasters. 


94 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


"  Susannah  "  by  Domenichino  did  not  strike  me  agree- 
ably; the  design  is  bad,  the  bath  too  public — she  looks 
like  a  frightened  white  mouse. 

Altogether  the  gallery  pleased  me  much,  and  reflects 
much  honor  upon  the  royal  founder  who  appears  an  ar- 
dent admirer  of  the  fine  arts.  The  building  itself  is  a 
splendid  palace. 

Dined  at  two  o'clock  at  the  table  d'hote.  The  keeper 
of  the  establishment  was  formerly  cook  to  Prince  Eugene, 
and  accordingly  understands  his  profession,  although  ig- 
norant of  other  things  as  important  in  this  his  new  sit- 
uation. A  great  want  of  management  is  shown  through 
the  whole  establishment,  a  multitude  of  servants  running 
about,  bells  ringing,  lodgers  calling  and  no  one  appearing 
to  answer.  Still  we  had  a  good  dinner,  a  profusion  of 
game,  in  fact  every  luxury,  and  all  nicely  served.  We 
were  accordingly  quite  recruited  at  the  end  of  the  dinner, 
about  four  o'clock,  and  set  out  in  the  rain  to  go  and 
visit  the  Leuchtenberg  gallery,  formed  by  Eugene  Beau- 
harnois,  Viceroy  of  Italy. 

Few  collections  of  paintings  have  given  me  equal 
pleasure;  it  resembled  much  the  famous  collection  in  the 
Chiara  Palace,  Rome,  in  one  particular — in  not  being 
numerous,  but  containing  great  gems.  Nothing  is  more 
annoying  than  wading  through  a  large  gallery,  only  here 
and  there  finding  a  picture  to  please;  it  is  like  wandering 
over  the  mountains  in  quest  of  views,  when  you  might 
with  greater  ease  be  conducted  to  a  spot  unfolding  all  the 
beauties  the  country  afforded.  This  it  was  that  pleased 
me  so  much  in  this  gallery.  There  are  only  two  rooms, 
but  they  are  filled  with  gems.  In  the  first  room  you  find 
modern  paintings,  such  as  those  by  Girard,  David,  and 
others  of  the  French  school.  Belisarius  (by  Girard)  con- 
ducting, for  a  moment,  his  youthful  guide,  who  by  some 
accident  is  prevented  from  leading  her  aged  sire,  is  a  mas- 
terly production,  and  displays  much  power,  as  well  as 
beauty  in  the  finish. 

In  the  2nd  room,  at  the  farther  extremity,  is  the  famous 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


95 


Magdalen  by  Canova.  She  is  in  deep  anguish,  sighing 
over  a  cross,  which  she  holds  in  her  hands.  She  is  all 
lovely  in  her  grief.  You  sympathize  with  the  cold  marble. 
Nothing  in  the  moral  world  is  more  beautiful,  more  grati- 
fying to  the  mind  of  a  rational  being,  than  the  sight  of  a 
person,  melting  in  tears,  over  some  fatal  act.  It  shows 
that  the  icy  heart  is  dissolved  by  the  genial  rays  of  light, 
of  wisdom;  it  shows  the  better  feelings  springing  into 
action.  The  frozen  water  dissolves,  and  when  melted  it 
still  is  as  pure  and  clear,  as  before  it  assumed  its  icy  na- 
ture. In  the  midst  of  the  tears,  you  see  the  bow  of  heaven, 
promising  good  to  come.  Yes,  I  could  linger  for  days 
about  this  embodied  sentiment  of  the  artist.  Behind  it  is 
the  gem  of  the  collection,  the  "  Madonna  "  of  Murillo.  In 
the  other  gallery,  we  have  seen  his  representations  of  fa- 
miliar life,  here  the  artist  has  essayed  the  higher  fields  of 
his  profession,  and  with  what  success!  The  Virgin  is  all 
loveliness.  Her  face  beams  with  purity.  She  looks  as  we 
imagine  the  Mother  looked;  her  Infant,  who  lies  in  her 
arms,  although  an  infant,  bears  on  His  face  the  impress  of 
divinity.  Few  pictures  have  pleased  me  better.  The  one 
by  Murillo  in  the  Pitti  palace,  Florence,  was  recalled  to 
my  mind.  A  Madonna  by  Correggio  reminded  me  of 
the  Correggio  in  the  Tribune.  ...  In  the  middle  of 
the  room  are  the  "  Three  Graces  "  by  Canova — all  beauty, 
grace  and  modesty.  It  is  astonishing  to  see  the  flowing 
easiness  of  the  limbs,  which  would  seem  impossible  to  be 
attained  in  stone. 

3rd.  Bibliothek — in  extent,  the  second  in  the  world; 
540,000  volumes.  The  curiosities  are:  the  orations  of 
Demosthenes  on  cotton  paper  from  Chios;  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  capital  letters,  of  the  VIII  century;  a  splendid 
Bible  and  Missal,  richly  decorated  with  miniatures  by 
a  Byzantine  artist,  the  exterior  covered  with  curiously 
worked  ivory  and  precious  stones;  Albert  Diirer's  Prayer- 
book,  ornamented  by  him  and  Cranach  with  sketches; 
3000  books,  printed  early,  at  a  period  anterior  to  the  year 
1500;  50  block  books;  Luther's  Bible  decorated  with  his 


96 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


and  Melancthon's  portraits;  some  manuscripts  of  Martin 
Luther;  a  letter  of  Charles  I.  to  his  sister. 

From  the  Library,  went  to  St.  Michael's,  the  Jesuit 
Church,  where  is  Thorwaldsen's  monument  of  Eugene 
Beauharnois,  erected  by  his  wife.  There  is  a  whole-length 
statue  of  the  Duke,  attended  by  History,  and  the  two 
Genii  of  life  and  death.  It  does  not  please  me  much.  It  is, 
I  think,  unworthy  of  its  much  admired  artist — something 
tame.  History  is  a  beautiful  figure;  the  main  statue  is 
perhaps  faultless;  still  there  is  but  a  poor  efTect  produced. 

Glyptothek,  or  Sculpture  Gallery,  near  the  Pinakothek. 
Here,  as  on  every  occasion,  the  King  has  shown  great 
liberality,  taste  and  much  good  sense.  Perhaps  there  is 
no  building  in  the  world,  erected  solely  as  a  storehouse 
for  statuary  so  splendid  and  so  well  adapted  to  the  ob- 
ject, as  this.  It  is  of  the  Ionic  order;  designed  by  Von 
Klenze.  An  apartment  is  set  apart  for  each  stage  of  the 
art.  In  the  first  you  find  Egyptian;  second,  Etruscan; 
third,  ^ginetan;  fourth,  Hall  of  Apollo;  fifth.  Hall  of 
Bacchus;  sixth,  Hall  of  the  Sons  of  Niobe,  etc. 

In  the  first  there  is  little  to  interest.  An  obelisk  deco- 
rates the  middle  of  the  room;  it  is  a  miserable  imitation, 
although  many  persons,  even  some  who  have  been  in 
Egypt,  mistake  it  for  a  veritable  antique;  its  four  faces 
are  ornamented  with  the  same  figures,  some  of  the  figures 
too  are  not  polished.  The  ^ginetan  collection  is  ex- 
tremely interesting.  The  sculptures  were  discovered  in 
the  island  ^gina  by  Baron  Haller,  Messrs.  Cockerell 
and  Forster;  they  are  supposed  to  have  belonged  to  the 
temple  of  Jupiter  Panhellenius,  or  to  a  temple  dedicated 
to  Minerva.  They  are  supposed  to  represent  some  action 
of  the  ^acidse:  they  have  been  rejuvenated  by  Thorwald- 
sen.  There  are  two  groups;  one  representing  Hercules 
and  Telamon  (son  of  ^acus)  fighting  against  the  Trojans 
— the  conflict  between  Greeks  and  Trojans. 

Here  the  journal  ends  abruptly;  according  to 
appearance,  it  was  never  completed. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


97 


In  the  year  1839  Tucker  was  yet  a  youth, 
nineteen  years  of  age.  The  juvenility  of  the  writer 
comes  to  the  front  now  and  then,  as  when  he  sets 
down  the  age  of  the  girls  introduced  to  his  party. 
But  the  future  Doctor  Tucker  appears  in  many 
manifestations;  the  germs  of  characteristics,  promi- 
nent and  palpable  in  later  days,  are  easily  discern- 
ible. Certain  features  abide,  running  through  the 
whole  of  his  life.  At  Smyrna,  wandering  about  the 
streets,  the  traveller  drops  into  a  church,  "  attracted 
by  a  fine  pealing  organ."  He  likes  painting  and 
sculpture;  he  has  much  to  say  about  them.  He 
is  not  afraid  to  adventure  the  performance  of  a 
critic's  office;  at  Salzburg  he  makes  judicious  re- 
marks about  the  size  of  the  statues  in  a  fountain: 
perhaps  the  figures  are  too  large,  and  show  too 
much  exertion  in  sustaining  a  basin  too  small  for 
their  united  powers."  He  is  not  afraid  to  dissent 
from  Rubens  or  Thorwaldsen.  Religion  has  place 
in  his  daily  living;  her  obligations  are  remembered 
as  when  we  find  him,  almost  a  boy,  a  layman,  read- 
ing Service  within  the  unhappy  precincts  of  quaran- 
tine. So  the  journal  affords  a  preliminary  glimpse 
and  promise  of  the  larger,  adult  existence. 


7 


V 


SOCIETY— VOCATION 

When  the  traveller  returned  from  his  two  years 
of  wandering,  a  leading  impression  produced  upon 
his  friends  was  that  of  commanding  good  looks. 
Once  and  again  I  have  heard  the  matter  referred 
to  by  the  few  yet  surviving  who  knew  him  at  the 
time.  There  was  an  air  of  distinction  and  culture, 
natural  to  him,  which  had  developed;  there  were  a 
graceful  bearing,  a  gentleness  embodied,  also  a 
winning  smile  and  a  clear,  trustful  eye  which  be- 
tokened an  admirable  example  of  humanity.  His 
erect  figure  was  always  faultlessly  attired  in  quiet, 
perfect  taste;  its  every  movement  was  unaffected 
but  elegant. 

As  it  had  been  at  home,  so  it  was  his  custom 
abroad — he  fell  naturally  into  the  society  of  culti- 
vated associates.  Wherever  he  went,  whether  in 
Scotland,  England  or  on  the  Continent,  it  was  usual 
for  him  to  meet  with  a  cordial,  at  times  an  effusive, 
reception. 

When  he  came  back  to  his  own  land — Yes,  he 
was  the  idol  of  his  family,"  said  one  closely  related. 
But  the  admiration  spread  abroad  throughout  a 
larger  circle.  He  possessed  many  characteristics 
which  make  captives  of  willing  hearts.    Is  it  any 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


99 


wonder,  then,  that  the  young  man  entered  into  the 
whirl  of  social  living,  that  he  became  the  centre  of 
a  sphere  which  in  sober  truth  was  adorned  by  his 
presence?  Therein  he  shone,  bright  light  of  many 
a  festive  scene.  A  relative  tells  me  that  the  young 
]\Ir.  Tucker  was  the  cynosure  of  many  eyes ;  that  he 
was  "  run  after,  the  pet  of  social  circles,"  that  he 
went  everywhere,  sang  delightfully,  and  danced 
elegantly." 

Soon  after  the  day  when  the  Church  began  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  Doctor  Tucker,  the  writer  had  a 
conversation  with  Bishop  Coxe,  his  early  friend  and 
comrade.  The  subject  of  our  talk  was  this  early 
section  of  the  Hfe  recently  completed.  "  Yes," 
said  Bishop  Coxe,  I  remember  what  a  regular 
spark  in  society  Tucker  was  when  a  young  man 
here  in  Xew  York.  He  was  in  everything.  When 
the  Italian  opera  came  to  town  he  took  advantage 
of  the  presence  of  the  company  and  received  lessons 
from  a  prominent  artist-member.  He  sang  de- 
lightfully." Here  the  Bishop  uttered  the  words 
with  enthusiasm,  as  if  he  enjoyed  the  very  memory. 
"  Tucker  was  in  demand  everywhere  for  his  social 
qualities  as  well  as  his  music,  but  wherever  he  went 
he  was  sure  to  be  called  upon  to  sing.  And  oh! 
how  handsome  he  was,  how  handsome!  " 

The  good  Bishop  confided  to  me  a  plan  cherished 
by  him  for  some  time.  He  hoped  to  write  a  series 
of  papers,  under  the  general  heading  of  "  The  Men 
that  I  Have  Known."  Dr.  Tucker  was  one  of  these, 
about  whom  he  intended  to  record  his  own  com- 
plete reminiscence.    He  expected  that  the  paper 


loo 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


would  be  ready  in  the  autumn,  and  kindly  offered 
the  use  of  it  for  the  incorporation  of  its  facts  into 
the  present  story.  Unfortunately  the  grim  mes- 
senger came  soon  to  the  Bishop  himself,  and  inter- 
fered with  the  carrying  out  of  his  plan.  Xot  long 
before  the  date  of  present  writing,  the  news  came, 
unexpected  as  sad,  that  the  Bishop  of  Western  New 
York  had  been  called  away  from  earthly  scene. 
The  Church  will  never  know  all  that  he  had  to  tell 
about  his  younger  days,  and  about  the  lives  of  those 
associated  with  him.  All  the  more  thankful  are  we 
for  the  fact  that  the  one  short  conversation  upon 
the  topic  now  considered  was  set  down  at  the  time; 
that  we  possess  the  testimony  of  the  Bishop  about 
the  junior  days  of  his  intimate  companion. 

So  the  young  man  passed  happy  hours  among 
his  friends  during  a  twelvemonth  or  so  after 
his  return  from  abroad.  Amid  the  whirl  of  daily 
engagements,  doubtless  there  were  times  when 
he  thought  about  the  possibilities  of  the  future, 
when  he  wondered  what  he  should  take  up  as 
his  life-work.  At  first  it  would  appear  that  he 
cherished  no  especial  inclination  toward  the  min- 
istry. He  looked  upon  it  as  a  distinct  renunciation 
of  the  world.  If  he  entered  into  that,  he  must  give 
up  this  pleasant  mode  of  life  to  which  he  had  be- 
come accustomed.  After  a  while,  when  he  did 
reach  a  decision,  he  adhered  to  the  same  view. 
When  he  entered  Holy  Orders  he  gave  up  much, 
and  he  renounced  it  of  his  own  free  will.  The 
familiar  and  attractive  fashion  of  this  world  "  be- 
came unknown  to  him.    His  graceful  form  faded 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


lOl 


away  from  the  scene  of  the  dance.  Thereafter  he 
was  never  known  even  to  sing  a  secular  air,  except 
occasionally  in  a  part-song  when  he  revisited  his 
first  home.  In  Troy  it  came  to  be  an  understood 
thing  that  he  would  not  accept  invitations  for  a 
Friday,  not  even  to  the  harmless  assemblage  at  a 
family  tea  table.  It  was  a  serious  business  with 
him;  wdien  he  did  come  to  a  determination  he  took 
up  his  cross  with  a  full  perception  of  the  fact  that  it 
was  a  burden.  So  far  as  he  himself  was  concerned, 
in  some  respects,  he  became  an  ascetic,  although  no 
one  was  more  considerate  in  behalf  of  the  worldly 
happiness  of  other  people. 

But  I  anticipate.  As  yet  he  thought  little  of 
these  things.  Then  it  happened  that  friends  inter- 
vened, bringing  a  message,  a  call. 

Said  Bishop  Coxe,  upon  the  occasion  referred 
to:  "  One  day  Hobart  (son  of  Bishop  Hobart)  said 
to  me,  '  We  must  get  that  young  man  to  study  for 
the  ministry.'  We  agreed  to  broach  the  subject 
to  him.  In  the  meantime  we  would,  each  one, 
make  it  a  subject  of  prayer.  We  did  so.  To 
Tucker  we  gave  Newman's  sermons  to  read;  you 
know  we  young  men  were  all  enthusiastic  about 
Newman  in  those  days." 

After  a  while  the  mother's  prayers  were  recalled, 
the  grandmother's  hopes  prevailed.  The  way  of 
the  Cross  seemed  more  sweet  and  alluring.  The 
fashionable  young  man,  whom  to  look  upon  was 
to  admire,  turned  toward  his  Saviour  and  said, 

Send  me." 

Two  letters  are  at  hand  which  will  indicate  the 


I02 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


course  of  events.  In  the  first  the  subject  of  our 
memoir  writes  to  his  friend: 

New  York,  Nov.  25th,  1841. 

Dear  Hobart: 

I  intended  to  have  got  the  start  of  you  by  sending  two 
letters  for  your  one,  when  quite  unexpectedly  I  received 
your  welcome  letter.  I  cannot  give  you  a  better  idea  of 
my  mode  of  life,  feelings,  etc.,  than  by  describing  my  sit- 
uation when  your  letter  found  its  way  upstairs  to  my  snug 
little  retreat  in  the  third  story,  which  may  now  be  called 
either  my  study  or  bedroom,  as  I  study  more  than  I  used 
to  do  and  sleep  less,  being  up  at  6  o'c.  every  morning, 
reaping  all  or  rather  some  of  the  advantages  promised  to 
those  who  are  "  early  to  bed  and  early  to  rise."  If  you 
had  been  nicely  smuggled  in  the  folds  of  your  letter  and 
had  as  suddenly  come  down  upon  me,  I  think  you  would 
have  been  startled. 

I  was  stajiding  tip  (another  improvement  by  the  way) 
with  a  grammar,  Chrestomathy,  Hebrew  Bible  and  Lexi- 
con before  me,  and  was  deeply  engaged  in  translating  the 
5th  chap,  of  Genesis. 

The  fact  is,  dear  Hobart,  I  have  at  last  arisen  from  my 
state  of  apathy,  and  begin  to  feel  and  act  like  a  man.  The 
chaos  of  the  little  world  within  begins  to  assume  form, 
and  I  trust  will  soon  produce.  The  clouds  which  so  long 
have  been  brooding  over  my  mind,  mystifying  it,  torment- 
ing it  with  doubts,  depressing  it,  leaving  me  in  that  horrid 
state  of  uncertainty  where  the  feelings  either  stagnate, 
or  rudely  burst  forth  making  a  channel  for  themselves — 
these  clouds  have  been  graciously  dispelled.  I  at  last  see 
my  proper  course.  I  have  accordingly  notified  the  Bishop 
of  my  intention  of  becoming  a  Candidate  for  Holy  Orders. 
To  you,  dear  Hobart,  mediately  as  a  human  agent,  will  I 
feel  for  ever  indebted  for  the  benefits  and  honors,  tempo- 
ral and  spiritual,  which  prospectively  I  view  as  a  faithful 
minister  of  Christ.    Never  can  I  forget  your  unwearied 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


103 


endeavors  on  my  behalf;  nor  can  I  remember  them  with- 
out a  feeHng  of  mortification  that  they  did  not  operate 
more  actively  upon  me.  Again,  when  I  call  to  mind  how 
often  I  was  cold  and  dead,  drawing  into  myself,  repulsive 
by  my  vague  indifference  and  indecision,  it  is  to  regret 
my  carelessness  and  to  admire  your  perseverance  in  well- 
doing. But,  my  dear  friend,  you  must  not  for  a  moment 
imagine  that  I  was  ever  in  reality  so  indifferent  and 
spiritless,  as  I  appeared  to  be.  No  one,  except  those  simi- 
larly situated,  can  appreciate  the  state  of  feeling  I  have 
been  in  for  the  last  year.  As  I  have  said  before,  my  mind 
was  in  a  state  of  chaos;  my  feelings  did  not  run  in  any 
one  current,  and  I  could  not  hear  any  allusion  to  the  life 
I  was  leading  without  exciting  regrets,  and  at  that  time 
painful  reminiscences.  How  one's  thoughts  and  feeling 
color  things  around  us!  those  reminiscences  which  then 
gnawed  the  heart,  now  wreathe  themselves  like  crouds  of 
sweet-smelling  incense  around  that  image  of  my  affections, 
whose  fondest  wishes  I  now  hope  to  fulfil. 

I  do  not  regret,  that  I  did  not  immediately  on  my  re- 
turn home  select  my  profession.  Many  things  urged  me 
to  that  course.  I  utterly  detest  an  inactive  life,  and  was 
then  anxious  to  devote  myself  to  some  pursuit.  I  was 
willing  to  do  anything  rather  than  nothing.  If  I  had  then 
selected  a  profession,  I  could  have  connected  myself  with 
no  pursuit,  except  as  a  means  of  doing  something.  With 
such  views  I  could  not  have  studied  theology,  not  being 
so  unpolitic  as  to  purchase  damnation  at  the  miserable 
price  the  devil  might  offer  in  the  shape  of  a  minister's 
paltry  salary.  As  it  is,  I  trust  that  my  motives  are  pure. 
All  that  remains  to  be  done,  is  to  devote  the  rest  of  my 
life  solely  to  the  active  duties  of  my  profession.  I  can't 
now  say  anything  more  of  myself,  but  must  tell  you  some- 
thing about  our  mutual  friends. 

Mr.  William  J.  has  taken  Mr.  Gibson's  house  for  the 
winter;  it  is  a  small  two-story  house  nearly  opposite  Mr, 
Fields'.  The  family  have  not  yet  come  in  town,  but  Miss 
M  and  L  are  here  making)  the  necessary  prepara- 


I04 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


tions  for  their  arrival.    Miss  E         was  in  town  two  or 

three  weeks  since;  she  had  two  beaux  in  the  shape  of 
two  friends  of  Mr.  Balch.  Don't  be  agitated:  she  is  as 
sensible  as  pretty,  and  she  will  be  very  careful  to  whom 
she  commits  her  heart  She  will  demand  nothing  short 
of  perfection,  will  be  very  deliberate,  in  the  end  be  gov- 
erned by  her  good  reason  and  sound  judgment,  and  decide 
as  she  ought.  This  she  ought  to  do,  but  we  cannot 
philosophize  on  anything  connected  with  woman  or  love, 
but  are  forced  to  make  every  allowance  for  woman's  ca- 
price and  love's  blindness.  John  has  just  given  birth  to 
an  essay  on  money,  full  of  clever  bits  of  satire,  but  a  little 
too  foppish  in  classical  quotations;  he  has  managed  to 
smuggle  in  that  contraband  article,  slavery,  with  much 
adroitness. 

We  intended  to  have  gone  out  last  Thursday  to  pay 
Coxe  a  visit.  We  had  given  him  a  hint  of  our  intentions. 
By  agreement,  James  Constable  and  myself  met  at  Mr. 
Fields'  at  one  o'clock,  when  we  were  informed  that  Coxe 
and  his  wife  had  got  the  start  of  us,  and  in  person  had 
informed  Mrs.  J.,  that  we  must  postpone  our  visit  because 
they  had  neither  cook  nor  waiter — they,  like  most  young 
housekeepers  imagining  that  their  guests  intended  their 
visit  for  the  domestics  rather  than  the  lord  and  lady.  As 
yet  we  have  had  no  little  "reunions"  at  Mr.  Fields';  we 
may  have  no  more  of  those  pleasant  little  gatherings, 
which  we  all  so  heartily  enjoyed.  Whether  we  do  or  not, 
they  are  bright  spots  to  look  back  upon. 

Miss  Elizabeth  O'Key  is  now  Mrs.  G,  W.  Costar.  Miss 

A         hopes  to  be  Mrs.  P         on  the  ist  of  December; 

your  brother  Dayton  is  to  be  one  of  the  groomsmen — 
there  are  5  others,  Stephen  Williams,  Benjamin  Silliman, 
etc.  The  Prince  de  Joinville  is  to  be  entertained  on  Fri- 
day night  by  Mrs.  Dr.  Mott.  The  people  are  crazy  about 
lectures.  The  lecturers  at  present  in  the  field  are:  "The 
Learned  Blacksmith,"  "  Sparks,  the  Biographer "  and 
"  The  Notorious  Dr.  Lardner."  I  may  add  that  the  Dr. 
Ned  Spring  Sparks'  course  is  the  best  attended,  but  I 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


05 


believe  the  majority  of  his  audience  are  disappointed  in 
him  as  a  lecturer — his  manner  is  decidedly  bad. 

John  Jay  is  preparing  an  attack  upon  you  for  the  uncivil 
manner  in  which  you  speak  of  the  godly  Calvinists  who 
dealt  harshly  with  poor  Servetus. 

N.  B.  Your  letters  generally  go  the  round  of  your  inti- 
mate friends. 

Write  soon  and  believe  me  ever 

Yr  attached  friend 

JoHX  Ireland  Tucker. 

In  this  bright  letter  certain  parts  come  into 
prominence,  oflfering  corroboration  of  statements 
already  made.  One  of  these  refers  to  the  unfailing 
influence  of  the  loved  mother,  gone  before,  who  is 
still  the  monitress  of  her  boy;  another  to  the  busy 
routine  of  social  affairs  in  which  the  young  student 
is  interested,  and  which  demand  time  and  atten- 
tion. For  his  voluntary  renunciation  the  hour  has 
not  yet  come. 

Fifteen  days  were  required — to  say  nothing  of  a 
postal  charge  of  twenty-five  cents — for  the  trans- 
mission of  the  letter,  first  to  Milwaukee  and  thence 
by  forwarding  to  Prairie  Village,  where  it  found 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart. 

The  way  that  Mr.  Hobart  happened  to  be  in 
Wisconsin  was  this.  About  the  year  1840  Bishop 
Kemper  had  returned  to  New  York  from  the  mys- 
terious wilderness — the  Western  Territory — and 
preached  about  it  to  the  students  at  the  Seminary. 
Their  enthusiasm  was  aroused.  Some  offered 
themselves  for  the  untried  duty.  They  wxre  ready 
for  a  crusade  or  any  other  service.  Eventually 


io6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


three  young  deacons,  under  the  leadership  of 
James  Lloyd  Breck,  started  out  to  establish  an 
associate  mission  having  monastic  characteristics. 

Mr.  Hobart  was  one  of  the  three  who  com- 
menced work  at  Prairieville.  It  was  during  the 
period  of  his  short  residence  in  the  place  that  he 
wrote  the  letter  now  quoted.  As  he  pens  the  name 
of  the  locality  it  has  not  yet  attained  to  the  dignity 
of  a  "  ville." 

The  friend's  reply  was  sent  without  delay: 

Prairie  Village,  W.  T. 

loth  Dec.  1841. 

My  Dear  Jack: 

Tho'  this  is  Saturday  night,  and  I  have  yet  some  la- 
bor before  me  in  preparation  for  the  morrow,  I  cannot 
refrain  from  immediately  writing  an  answer,  tho'  only  a 
few  hasty  words,  to  your  letter  dated  25  Nov.  I  read  it, 
walking  up  from  the  Post  Ofifice  hither,  with  emotions  of 
most  sincere  gratitude  to  GOD,  and  heartfelt  joy  for  you. 
You  will  never  know  the  nearness  to  my  heart,  of  my  wish 
that  you  and  I  might  be  brothers  in  the  ministry;  and  my 
persuasion,  that  so  far  as  I  could  judge,  it  was  your  duty, 
— and  the  strong  certainty  that  it  would  be  your  unspeak- 
able gain.  So  far  as  I  properly  could,  I  tried  to  influence 
you  this  way;  and  when  I  found  how  you  seemed  to  hesi- 
tate, I  began  to  fear  that  the  end  would  be  different  from 
what  I  hoped.  Looking  back  on  what  I  had  done,  it  ap- 
peared evident  that  I  had  reHed  too  much  on  my  own 
abiHty  to  urge  reasons,  suggest  motives,  etc.  I  had  not 
enough  remembered  that  a  Christian's  most  powerful 
means  of  influencing  his  brother,  was  prayer,  fervent  and 
intercessory.  It  seemed  to  me  I  had  thought  too  much 
of  my  own  agency,  and  not  enough  of  GOD'S.  So  when 
I  found  I  was  to  be  separated  from  you,  so  far  and  so 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


107 


long,  and  that  but  one  mode  was  possible  to  be  used  in 
behalf,  as  I  thought,  of  your  best  interests,  I  resolved  to 
betake  myself  to  that,  and  since  I  have  been  here  have 
been  continually  praying  GOD,  that  He  would  show  you 
what  was  the  right  way.  Pardon  me  if  in  any  respect  I 
had  (unconsciously)  dealt  untruly  with  you. 

You  will  understand  now  what  has  been  the  frame  of 
mind  which,  when  I  read  of  your  most  blessed  decision, 
made  me  exclaim  at  once  and  aloud,  and  most  naturally 
"  Thanks  be  to  GOD  who  giveth  the  victory."  I  looked 
to  you  as  a  conqueror  who  had  overcome  the  enemy  in 
the  first  struggle;  and  as  we  were  brothers  in  Christ,  and 
in  aflection,  your  cause  was  mine,  so  that  the  victory 
seemed  ours.  Then,  how  naturally,  and  as  it  seemed 
providentially,  did  the  next  words  of  the  Apostle  come  to 
my  mind,  with  express  application  to  you:  Therefore,  my 
beloved  brother,  be  thou  steadfast,  unmovable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  thou 
knowest  that  thy  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

Is  it  indeed  to  be  so,  dear  Jack?  Is  it  possible  then 
that  you  and  I  may  yet  stand  side  by  side  at  the  Altar, 
and  there,  have  all  the  remembrances  of  our  past  friend- 
ship, all  that  mutual  knowledge  of  each  other  which  makes 
men  in  old  age  turn  to  their  friends  as  parts  of  them- 
selves, all  our  mutual  relations,  hallowed  and  strength- 
ened, and  deepened  and  made  eternal,  by  communion  with 
our  eternal  Lord  in  His  Church,  at  His  Altar,  in  His  Min- 
istry? From  the  ground  of  my  heart, — GOD  be  thanked 
for  it! — I  do  not  realize  it  yet,  but  I  begin  to  see  what 
Christian  fellowship  is;  and  in  view  of  that  intense  percep- 
tion of  it,  as  a  thing  more  real  than  ties  of  blood,  more 
tender  than  mere  human  affection,  more  close  than  any- 
thing we  call  the  mingling  of  hearts  and  souls  in  sym- 
pathy, more  ineffable  than,  in  our  unspiritual  state,  we  can 
find  any  image  to  liken  it  to — in  view  of  all  this,  as  attain- 
able by  you  and  me,  I  could  run  on  in  what  the  world 
would  call  the  ravings  of  mysticism  and  fanatic  phrensy, 
were  I  not  afraid  it  would  be  irreverent  to  use  words 


io8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


so  freely  about  a  matter  I  as  yet  dimly  see,  but  would 
ardently  long  for — and  would  be  strong  to  attain. 

It  has  strengthened  me  already  to  know  that  you  will 
soon  be  sworn  to  pursue  the  same  object,  in  the  same 
way.  Think  of  you,  and  me,  and  Cleve — friends  on  earth 
indeed,  but  better  and  more!  friends  taken  out  of  the  rest 
of  men,  to  stand  as  it  were  in  the  very  court  and  presence 
of  the  Great  King,  and  be  sacramental  channels  of  His 
grace.  His  Spirit,  His  Flesh  and  Blood,  Himself,  to  our 
fellowmen,  to  each  other,  to  ourselves! 

Things  may  so  come  round,  perhaps,  that  we  shall  all 
be  together,  or  in  near  neighborhood,  before  many  years. 
How  we  will  joy  to  give  each  other  sensible  marks  of 
this  glorious  communion,  by  words  and  acts,  of  assistance, 
kindness  and  love!  It  will  be  more  than  mortal  joy. 
What  a  putting  of  shoulder  to  shoulder  there  will  be,  and 
interlocking  of  arms  when  there  is  special  need  of  stand- 
ing fast  for  Christ  and  His  Church!  And  we  have  a  share 
in  the  struggle! 

I  long  doubly  now  to  see  you  again.  I  am  dashing  of¥ 
my  words,  not  writing  them;  and  when  I  can  calmly  think 
over  what  is  in  prospect  for  you  and  me,  and  estimate  the 
particulars  of  our  gain  by  this  step  you  have  taken,  I  will 
send  you  a  more  sober  epistle.  But,  believe  me,  you  have 
given  me  the  most  joyful  news,  and  sent  a  deeper  satis- 
faction into  my  heart  than  I  had  thought  of  experiencing 
in  my  solitariness  here.  Jay  is  sure  to  me  in  the  Church, 
you  and  Cleve  doubly  sure  in  the  ministry.  Now,  all 
four  of  us  have  an  object,  Heaven;  all  four  of  us  a  posi- 
tion, contra  inundum  !  Love  and  Christian  greeting  to 
my  brother,  and  all  blessing,  and  added  grace  and  new 
strength  day  by  day,  be  upon  you — is  the  earnest  prayer 
of  your  affec'te 

J.  H.  H. 


In  a  diocesan  paper  Bishop  Coxe  printed  a  brief 
note,  in  which  he  spoke  thus  of  the  young  man- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


hood  of  Dr.  Tucker:  "  He  was  a  noble  youth  in 
New  York,  reared  in  kixury  and  endowed  with 
quaHties  of  character  and  graces  of  person  which 
made  him  an  idol  in  the  fashionable  circle  of  New 
York  society,  while  as  yet  the  old  Knickerbocker 
respectability  and  the  predominance  of  Church  in- 
fluence were  undiluted.  '  Chancellor  Livingston, 
Dr.  Hosack,  and  Bishop  Hobart/  said  a  contem- 
porary, ^  were  the  tripod  on  which  "  society  "  was 
based  in  New  York.'  It  was  the  wonder  of  such  a 
monde  when  Mr.  Tucker,  '  the  favorite  of  all  circles 
and  the  pride  of  his  own/  deliberately  threw  aside 
his  ^  prospects  in  life '  and  entered  the  General 
Theological  Seminary  as  a  candidate  for  the  diaco- 
nate.  When  he  accepted  the  Rectorship  in  the 
parish  at  Troy,  it  was  supposed  that  this  was  a  mere 
stepping-stone  to  rapid  and  brilliant  preferment. 
But  he  took  it  for  life,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
most  self-denying  features  of  missionary  work." 

While  yet  a  resident  of  New  York  the  musical 
abilities  possessed  by  Mr.  Tucker  came  into  use,  in 
a  way  of  which  many  know  not.  For  a  consider- 
able period  he  was  organist  of  St.  Thomas'  Church. 
It  is  as  relating  to  this  time  that  he  used  to  tell 
a  story.  One  Sunday  morning  the  young  organ- 
ist had  performed  a  "  voluntary,"  probably  at  the 
offertory,  which  was  more  elaborate  and  showy 
than  usual.  After  the  service  the  venerable  Rector 
called  him  into  the  rectory  and  made  the  sugges- 
tion that  these  tours  de  force  would  better  be  dis- 
continued, as  in  that  Church  the  clergyman  in- 
tended that  the  pulpit  should  be  the  chief  attraction. 


no 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  knowledge  of  the  organ  possessed  by  our 
student,  as  well  as  the  cultivation  of  his  fine  bass 
voice,  both  fitted  him  the  better  for  the  peculiar 
and  life-long  service  to  religion  which  he  was 
about  to  render. 

In  a  catalogue  of  the  General  Theological  Semi- 
nary of  appropriate  date,  among  the  graduates  of 
the  year  1841,  I  read  the  names  John  H.  Hobart 
and  "  Arthur  C.  Coxe."  The  career  of  the  latter  is 
well  known. 

It  may,  however,  be  fitting  to  interject  a  remark 
about  recent  occurrences  taking  place  at  the  Semi- 
nary Commencement  of  1896 — as  it  turned  out  the 
last  attended  by  the  late  Bishop  of  Western  New 
York.  Then  Bishop  Coxe  presented  the  diplomas 
to  the  graduating  class,  some  forty-five  in  number, 
and  spoke  touchingly  of  a  period  long  gone,  even 
fifty-five  years  before,  when  he,  "  in  that  very  place, 
stood  with  Breck  and  others  of  his  class  to  receive 
his  diploma  from  the  hands  of  the  sainted  De 
Lancey." 

The  son  of  Bishop  Hobart  took  up  labor  in  the 
Western  Territory,  in  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Bishop."  While  yet  a  deacon  he  came 
back  to  New  York,  in  July,  1844,  to  take  charge  of 
St.  Paul's,  Red  Hook,  in  Dutchess  County — doubt- 
less in  time  to  witness  the  ordination  of  his  friend. 

In  the  year  1842  J.  Carpenter  Smith  graduated 
from  the  Seminary — whose  recollection  about  the 
Brooklyn  life  has  already  been  set  down.  Arthur 
Carey,  whose  name  became  well  known,  was  a 
classmate. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


It  was  in  the  same  year,  1842,  that  John  I. 
Tucker  entered  the  institution  as  a  member  of  the 
middle  class.  Robert  B.  Fairbairn  was  a  Seminary 
mate  during  a  part  of  the  course,  graduating  in 
1843.  had  further  association  with  the  Rector 

of  the  Holy  Cross,  and  remained  the  close  friend 
of  the  other,  at  times  his  companion,  until  death 
called  one  of  the  two. 

According  to  the  initials  given  in  the  Seminary 
Catalogue,  "  John  I.  Tucker  "  was  graduated  in  the 
year  1844.  From  the  New  York  Churchman  (Dr. 
Seabury's),  bearing  date  July  6,  1844,  we  derive 
information,  given  after  an  explicit  fashion: 

The  2ist  Annual  Commencement  of  the  General  Theo- 
logical Seminary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  was  celebrated  in  St.  John's  Chapel  in 
this  city  on  Friday,  June  28th.  Morning  Prayer  was  read 
by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Shelton,  D.D.,  of  Western  New  York, 
assisted  by  the  Rev'd.  Robert  W.  Harris  of  N.  Y,  who 
read  the  lessons,  alumni  of  the  Seminary.  The  Ante- 
Communion  Service  was  read  by  the  Right  Rev.  Benja- 
min T.  Onderdonk,  D.D.,  of  New  York  (the  Right  Rev. 
Thomas  C.  Brownell,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  of  Connecticut  the 
Senior  Bishop  present,  being  prevented  by  diseased  eyes) 
assisted  by  the  Right  Rev.  George  W.  Doane,  D.D., 
LL.D.,  of  New  Jersey,  who  read  the  Epistle,  and  the 
Right  Rev.  John  H.  Hopkins,  D.D.,  of  Vermont,  who 
read  the  Gospel.  The  Commencement  Sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Right  Rev.  Manton  Eastburn,  D.D.,  of 
Massachusetts. 

The  Reverend,  the  Dean  of  the  Faculty  [Dr.  Samuel 
H.  Turner]  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  that  body,  then 
presented  to  the  Bishop  of  Connecticut — for  receiving 
the  testimonials  awarded  by  the  Trustees  and  Professors 
to  students  who  have  acceptably  prosecuted  the  full  course 


112 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


of  study,  and  faithfully  discharged  their  duties — the  fol- 
lowing young  gentlemen,  composing  the  Senior  Class: — 

Henry  B.  Bartow  of  New  York,  .  .  .  etc.,  including 
John  I.  Tucker  of  New  York. 

The  testimonials  were  delivered  accordingly,  with  a 
short  but  interesting  and  solemn  address  to  the  class  by 
the  Bishop  of  Connecticut. 

The  Bishop  of  New  York  then  proceeded  to  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Lord's  Supper,  in  which  he  was  as- 
sisted by  the  Bishops  of  Connecticut,  Vermont  and  New 
Jersey,  the  Missionary  Bishop  and  the  Bishop  of  Western 
New  York.  There  were  also  present  the  Bishops  of  Mary- 
land and  Delaware.  The  Faculty  and  students  of  the  Sem- 
inary, a  large  body  of  Alumni  and  other  clergy,  and  many 
other  Christians — all  probably  amounting  to  between 
three  and  four  hundred — united  with  the  Bishops  in  this 
very  solemn  and  interesting  Communion.  The  Blessing 
was  pronounced  by  the  Bishop  of  Connecticut. 

It  remains  yet  to  be  noted  that  within  a  few 
weeks  after  his  graduation  from  the  Seminary,  that 
is,  in  July,  1844,  our  candidate  was  admitted  to  the 
order  of  deacons  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Benjamin  T. 
Onderdonk,  Bishop  of  New  York. 


JOHN  IRELAND  TUCKER 
In  his  tiventy-fifth  year 


VI 


THE  BEGINNINGS  AT  TROY 

After  the  beneficent  career  had  been  finished, 
and  after  it  had  become  evident  to  all  that  the  re- 
cent incumbent  had  transformed  a  position — which 
most  men  would  call  obscure — into  a  shining  centre 
of  powerful  influence,  then  the  question  was  asked, 

Who  made  this  nomination?  Who  suggested 
the  name  of  John  I.  Tucker  to  the  patron  at  Troy?  " 

The  late  Bishop  Coxe  claimed  the  honor  for  him- 
self. In  the  conversation  already  referred  to,  the 
Bishop  of  Western  New  York  remarked:  "  I  got 
him  his  place  in  Troy.  They  (the  Troy  people)  said 
to  me,  *  Now  we  have  this  building,  and  everything 
prepared,  what  shall  we  do  to  get  the  most  impor- 
tant part — to  find  the  man  to  work  in  it?  '  I  have 
the  man  for  you,"  said  the  Bishop;  and  he  told  the 
story  about  his  friend,  enlarging  upon  his  manifold 
virtues  and  capabilities. 

"  A  few  years  later,"  continued  Bishop  Coxe,  I 
went  up  to  Troy.  There  was  the  young  man  of 
society,  the  pet  of  fashion,  the  brilliant  centre  of  its 
circles,  recently  devoted  to  its  endless  whirl  of  gai- 
ety, now  standing  before  a  blackboard  with  a  class 
of  poor  girls  around  him,  drilling  them  in  the  rudi- 
8 


114 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


ments,  teaching  this  uninteresting  matter,  teaching 
hour  after  hour!  " 

In  truth,  it  was  a  metamorphosis! 

The  mention  of  the  name  may  have  been  made 
by  "  Mr.  Coxe "  to  and  .  through  Mr.  Wil- 
liams," then  Rector  at  Schenectady,  who  was  an 
enthusiastic  supporter  and  forwarder  of  the  proj- 
ect at  Troy,  and  a  constant  adviser  of  the  found- 
ress. Dr.  Warren  writes:  ''I  suggested  to  my 
mother  that  Dr.  Williams  should  have  charge  of 
the  Mission.  His  reply  was  that  he  could  not 
leave  St.  George's,  Schenectady,  but  that  he  knew 
a  young  man  in  the  Theological  Seminary  who 
would  be  just  the  right  man  in  the  right  place. 
That  young  man  was  secured,  and  how  thoroughly 
correct  was  the  estimation  of  Dr.  Williams,  the 
faithful  and  uninterrupted  ministrations  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Tucker    .    .    .    are  a  living  witness." 

For  the  sake  of  those  who  are  not  Trojans,  let 
me  pause  to  give  a  brief  recounting  of  local  history. 

Mrs.  Phebe  Warren  was  a  benevolent  Church- 
woman,  a  native  of  Norwalk,  Conn.,  who  with  her 
husband  and  family  settled  in  the  then  village  of 
Troy  in  the  year  1798.  The  newcomer  took  large 
interest  in  the  planting  of  the  Church  in  her  neigh- 
borhood. After  the  parish  of  St.  Paul's  was  started, 
in  1804,  she  undertook  the  Catechetical  instruction 
of  the  children — that  is,  she  formed  a  class  or  school 
for  instruction  in  the  Catechism,  and  this  before  the 
day  of  either  Sunday  or  Parish  School. 

The  desolations  of  war,  in  the  year  1812,  brought 
about  an  increase  in  the  number  of  neglected  chil- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


"5 


dren.  Mrs.  Phebe  Warren  met  the  fresh  demand; 
she  gathered  a  company  of  Httle  ones  into  a  Sat- 
urday Sewing-school,"  wherein  they  were  to  be 
taught  the    Catechism  and  plain  sewing." 

In  1835  the  little  school  came  down  as  a  bequest 
to  the  daughter-in-law,  Mrs.  Mary  Warren,  who 
had  promised  the  dying  foundress  to  continue  the 
benefaction. 

Four  years  after,  the  Saturday  Sewing-school  was 
converted  into  a  day  school,  which  met  in  an  apart- 
ment belonging  to  St.  Paul's  Church.  From  the  be- 
ginning the  singing  of  the  children  was  made  much 
of ;  frequently  do  we  read  of  visitors,  that  they  were 
taken  to  hear  the  children  sing."  A  competent 
instructor,  William  Hopkins,  had  been  engaged  to 
give  music  lessons  to  the  school.  A  further  and 
more  extended  interest  was  awakened  in  view  of 
the  fact  that  a  son  of  the  benefactress  was  himself 
a  musician,  and  that  at  special  services  he  acted 
as  organist  for  the  choir  of  children. 

In  St.  Paul's  Church,  six  or  eight  pews  in  the 
gallery,  next  to  the  organ  loft,  had  been  set  apart 
for  occupancy  on  Sunday  mornings  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  school.  As  among  them  much  attention 
was  given  to  music,  they  would  be  likely  to  take 
part  in  the  musical  sections  of  the  service.  Their 
participation,  however,  was  not  grateful  to  the  pro- 
fessional members  of  the  quartet  choir,  who  desired 
the  exclusive  right  of  performance.  The  story  is 
told  by  Dr.  Nathan  B.  Warren,  present  patron  of 
the  school: 

"  One  Monday  morning,  in  the  summer  of  1843, 


Ii6  DOCTOR  TUCKER 

the  patroness  of  the  little  school  went  in  as  usual, 
and  found  the  children  all  in  tears.  On  inquiring 
the  cause  of  the  disturbance,  she  was  told  by  Miss 
Pierce,  the  teacher,  that  the  Sunday-school  Super- 
intendent had  just  been  in,  and  had  lectured  the 
children  on  the  impropriety  of  uniting  their  voices 
with  the  regular  choir.  The  choir  were  unwilling, 
the  Superintendent  said,  that  the  children  should 
assist  in  the  music  of  the  Church,  and  that  unless 
he  could  stop  them  they  would  quit. 

"  This  musical  strike  frightened  the  Superinten- 
dent, who  was  a  benevolent  man,  and  doubtless 
had  no  idea  of  the  pain  he  was  inflicting.  The 
patroness  said  to  the  children:  *  Dry  your  eyes, 
and  like  good  children  do  as  you  are  bid,  and  you 
soon  shall  have  a  Church  of  your  own  to  sing  in, 
and  in  which  you  can  sing  to  your  hearts'  content.' 

"  The  children  had  been  a  little  exalted  since 
their  elevation  to  the  organ  loft  on  the  Holydays 
occurring  on  week-days,  and  since  a  Sunday-school 
celebration  at  which  they  assisted  at  a  Choral  Ser- 
vice, on  which  occasion  the  venerable  Superinten- 
dent expressed  himself  decidedly  pleased,  declaring 
that  '  it  was  very  solemn.'  " 

So  good  came  out  of  evil.  The  churlishness  of 
the  quartet  brought  about  the  starting  of  a  charity, 
which  under  accomplished  and  wise  direction  grew 
up  to  be  a  creation  unique,  poetic  and  Christian. 

Mrs.  Mary  Warren  had  already  made  provision 
in  her  will  for  the  establishment  of  a  free  Mission- 
ary Church  in  Troy.  Now  it  appeared  that  the 
working  out  of  her  plan  must  be  expedited.  She 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


117 


decided  at  once,  after  the  complaint  about  the  chil- 
dren, to  become  her  own  executor.  The  charitable 
work  was  begun  and  carried  on;  her  children  unit- 
ing in  the  effort. 

For  information  about  the  laying  of  the  corner- 
stone, we  are  indebted  to  a  diary  kept  by  the  pious 
foundress,  and  discovered  the  day  after  her  death. 
On  the  date,  Wednesday,  the  23rd  April,  1844,  she 
writes : 

I  have  been  much  engaged  preparing  for  the  reception 
of  the  Bishop  who  arrived  this  evening  at  6  o'clock  after 
a  very  refreshing  thunderstorm.  Dr.  Potter  of  Albany 
accompanied  him  and  they  both  remained  with  us  until 
Friday  morning.  On  Thursday  the  Bishop  ordained  Mr. 
Fairbairn  in  the  morning;  after  service,  we  had  the 
Bishop  to  dine  with  us.  Among  the  company  were  Dr. 
Potter,  Mr.  Williams,  :Mr.  Kip,  Mr.  Selkirk  of  Albany, 
Mr.  Metcalf  of  Duanesburgh,  Mr.  Babbet  of  Hudson,  Mr. 
Hecock  of  Western  N.  Y.,  Mr.  Twing,  Mr.  Bissell.  Mr. 
Van  Kleeck,  Mr.  Cox,  Mr.  Fairbairn,  Mr.  Hubbard  and 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Yz  past  four.  After  driving  we  had  service  at  St.  Paul's, 
when  the  children  formed  the  choir.  Immediately  after 
service,  the  Bishop  and  clergy  attended  by  the  vestry  of  the 
several  churches  and  the  laity  formed  a  procession  and 
went  up  to  8th  street,  to  lay  the  cornerstone  of  the  Free 
Mission  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  After  the  Bishop  laid 
the  stone,  Mr.  Van  Kleeck  our  Rector  delivered  a  most 
excellent  and  appropriate  address:  the  children  of  the 
school  chanted  the  Psalms  and  sang  an  Anthem,  assisted 
by  their  teacher  Mr.  Hopkins  and  several  others  who 
accompanied  them  on  instruments  of  music  of  different 
kinds.  The  music  was  very  fine,  and  seemed  to  delight 
every  one.  After  the  services  were  over,  the  Bishop  at- 
tended by  the  clergy  and  vestry,  all  came  to  our  house 
and  remained  for  a  short  time.    We  had  a  succession  of 


ii8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


visitors  throughout  the  evening  which  seemed  very  grati- 
fying to  our  Diocesan  as  well  as  to  all  of  our  family.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Ingersoll  also  came  in  town  and  passed  a  part 
of  the  evening  with  us.  We  had  a  bright  and  glorious 
day  for  our  services,  which  I  trust  is  an  omen  of  the  smile 
and  approbation  of  an  overruling  Providence  on  our  un- 
dertaking. We  have  had  so  much  to  discourage  us  ever 
since  it  has  been  known  that  we  contemplated  building 
and  dedicating  this  Church  to  God.  By  some  people  it 
has  been  said  that  we  were  going  to  join  the  Romanists, 
and  by  others  it  was  said  we  were  going  to  build  a  Puseyite 
or  Puseylite  Church;  and  all  sorts  of  ill-natured  remarks 
have  been  made  about  it.  I  will  remark  that  the  corner- 
stone was  laid  on  St.  Mark's  day,  it  being  the  birthday  of 
my  son  Nathan  B.  Warren.  This  Church  when  com- 
pleted is  designed  to  have  the  daily  service. 

An  inscription  made  on  or  in  the  corner-stone, 
announced:  The  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  v^as 
founded  in  the  year  of  grace,  1844,  by  Mary  War- 
ren, as  a  house  of  prayer  for  all  people,  without 
money  and  without  price.  Glory  be  to  the  Father 
and  to  the  Son  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen." 

At  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  two  anthems 
were  sung — O  send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy 
truth  "  and  "  Great  is  the  Lord  and  greatly  to  be 
praised."     About  the  music  our  authority  says: 

If  it  was  not  artistic  it  was  given  with  a  hearty 
good  will."  There  was  an  orchestral  accompani- 
ment, led  by  William  Hopkins,  who  that  day  laid 
the  foundation  of  the  choir  ere  long  famous 
throughout  the  land. 

As  yet  Mr.  Tucker  has  nothing  to  do  with  it. 
In  New  York  on  that  day,  the  student  in  the  Sem- 
inary very  likely  had  no  thought  about  the  doings 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


Up  the  Hudson,  in  a  locality  with  which  his  whole 
future  was  to  be  identified.  Soon,  however,  he  is 
nominated  to  the  patron,  and  appears  upon  the 
scene.    Mrs.  Warren  writes: 

Oct.  26th.  Saturday  evening.  My  sons  Nathan  and 
George  came  up  in  the  boat  tonight  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Tucker.  He  stayed  with  us  and  we  were  much  pleased 
with  him. 

Sunday.  Mr.  Tucker  read  prayers  for  Mr.  Van  Kleeck 
this  morning,  but  declined  preaching.  The  children  sang 
between  services,  and  Mr.  Tucker  seemed  much  gratified. 

Monday.  Mr.  Fairbairn  dined  with  us  today  with  Mr. 
Tucker.  We  then  went  up  to  the  school  and  heard  the 
children  go  through  the  services  for  the  Consecration. 
Mr.  Tucker  sang  with  them,  and  the  music  was  never 
finer.  Mr.  Tucker  then  left  us  in  the  evening  boat  for 
New  York. 

Saturday,  30th.  [November.]  The  Rev.  Mr.  Tucker  ar- 
rived this  evening,  and  has  come  up  with  an  expectancy 
of  having  our  Church  consecrated  next  week  on  Thursday 
or  Saturday.  We  shall  however  be  disappointed  as  our 
Bishop  has  declined  for  the  present  attending  to  any  offi- 
cial duties,  and  has  not  yet  appointed  any  Bishop  to  act  in 
his  place. 

December,  Friday,  6th.  Mr.  Tucker  left  us  this  morn- 
ing for  New  York,  with  the  hope  of  making  arrangements 
with  Bishop  Doane  for  the  Consecration  of  our  Church, 
after  the  trial  of  Bishop  Onderdonk,  which  is  to  take 
place  on  Tuesday  the  loth. 


VII 


THE  DEACON  IN  CHARGE 

At  last  the  newly-fledged  cleric  goes  to  Troy,  to 
stay.  He  settles  down  for  his  lifelong  perform- 
ance of  duty. 

The  Church  building,  which  is  ready,  includes 
at  first  only  a  square  nave,  with  a  little  square  tower 
in  front.  Nathan  B.  Warren  was  its  designer,  him- 
self drawing  the  plans.  Arrangements  for  the  con- 
secration were  not  completed;  instead,  there  is  an 
"  opening  service,"  Mrs.  Mary  Warren,  in  her  di- 
ary, recounts  the  method  of  procedure;  a  few  ex- 
tracts are  given: 

December  24th,  1844.  Mr.  Tucker  arrived  today  and 
has  made  arrangements  for  opening  our  little  Church  to- 
morrow, by  permission  of  the  Bishop. 

Christmas  Day.  We  were  permitted  to  meet  in  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  both  morning  and  evening. 
After  service  in  the  morning  we  went  to  St.  Paul's  to  re- 
ceive the  Holy  Communion,  and  at  four  o'clock  we  as- 
sembled in  our  new  Church  again,  when  we  had  the  full 
choral  serv'ice  both  morning  and  evening:  it  was  exceed- 
ingly fine,  and  Mr.  Tucker  gave  us  a  beautiful  sermon. 
After  evening  service  we  returned  home;  the  children  of 
the  school  81  in  number  with  their  teachers  all  came  to 
wish  us  a  merry  Christmas,  and  see  their  Christmas  tree, 
and  receive  their  presents  which  as  usual  consisted  of 


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121 


books,  pocket  knives,  cakes,  candies  and  fruit.  Dr.  Potter 
and  family,  Mr.  Williams  of  Schenectady  and  several  of  our 
friends  came  in  to  see  the  Christmas  tree. 

In  Troy  there  is  a  tradition  that  the  opening  ser- 
vice took  place  on  the  eve  of  Christmas'.  Accord- 
ing to  Mrs.  Warren,  however,  the  first  office  oc- 
curred on  Christmas  day  in  the  morning. 

The  order  started  with  a  Choral  "  office  at  the 
Holy  Cross,  after  which  the  Deacon  in  charge 
preached  his  first  sermon  to  his  people.  The 
congregation  then  removed  in  a  body,  going  from 
the  Holy  Cross  to  the  mother  Church  (St.  Paul's), 
there  to  receive  the  Holy  Communion. 

The  diary  proceeds: 

January  ist,  1845.  This  day  has  been  passed  as  all  New 
Years'  are  generally  passed  in  receiving  visits  from  our 
friends.  Mr.  Tucker  dined  with  us,  and  we  had  not  the 
usual  number  of  visitors. 

6th.  Feast  of  Epiphany ,  We  had  service  in  our  Church 
this  morning,  and  had  several  of  our  clergy  there,  among 
whom  were  Mr.  Williams  (who  preached  a  most  excel- 
lent sermon),  Mr.  Bissell,  Van  Kleeck,  Fairbairn,  Van 
Rensselaer,  and  Dr.  Potter  came  in  time  to  dine  with  us. 
We  had  Mr.  Tucker  and  his  father  and  sister,  Mr.  Wil- 
liams and  his  mother,  Mr.  Fairbairn,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer. 
After  dinner  we  went  over  to  Mr.  Joseph  Warren's  to 
attend  a  clerical  party. 

7th.  Visited  the  school  with  Mr.  Tucker's  family,  and 
heard  the  children  sing. 

Saturday,  nth.  Mr.  Tucker  and  daughter  and  son  dined 
with  us  and  Mary  Cannon;  we  had  a  pleasant  dinner. 

Sunday,  12th.  Major  Tucker  and  daughter  went  to 
Church  with  us  at  St.  Paul's  in  the  morning,  and  in  the 
evening  we  all  went  up  to  the  Holy  Cross,  where  we 


122 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


heard  a  most  beautiful  sermon  from  these  words:  "And 
all  they  that  heard  it  wondered  at  those  things  which  were 
told  them  by  the  shepherds.  But  Mary  kept  all  these 
things,  and  pondered  them  in  her  heart." 

Monday,  13th.  This  has  been  a  very  snowy  day.  I 
called  to  see  Major  Tucker's  family  this  morning  to  say 
good  bye  to  them,  and  visited  the  school. 

Sunday,  19th.  Commenced  having  service  this  morning 
at  half  past  10  o'clock.  The  day  has  been  exceedingly 
cold,  and  the  walking  never  was  more  slippery.    We  had 

another  beautiful  sermon  from  Mr.  T  ;  in  the  evening 

he  catechised  the  children. 

Feb'y  2nd.  Sunday  Morning.  Attended  the  Church  of 
the  Holy  Cross,  altho'  it  was  exceedingly  cold  and  slip- 
pery. Heard  a  sweet  sermon  from  Mr.  Tucker  from 
I  Corinthians  13  chap,  and  13  verse:  "And  now  abideth 
faith,  hope,  charity,  these  three;  but  the  greatest  of  these 
is  charity."  It  was  the  best  sermon  I  ever  heard  from 
this  text  of  Scripture,  and  intended  as  an  introductory 
sermon  to  our  Sunday  offerings.  A  collection  was  taken 
up  after,  but  our  congregation  was  unusually  small;  there 
was  but  $3  received  on  the  occasion.  We  had  service 
again  at  4  o'clock  and  a  baptism;  the  first  child  that  was 
baptized  in  our  beautiful  stone  font. — It  belongs  to  Mr. 
Roden,  an  Englishman,  and  the  child's  name  was  Robert 
Stephen. 

5th.  Ash  Wednesday.  Attended  the  Church  of  the 
Holy  Cross  in  a  tremendous  snowstorm,  and  of  course 
had  a  small  congregation.  From  this  day  we  commence 
our  daily  service. 

6th.  Attended  Church  this  morning  at  11  o'clock,  altho' 
we  have  had  a  heavy  fall  of  snow.  Our  congregation  was 
small — the  children  of  the  school  are  having  a  vacation 
now,  consequently  but  a  part  of  the  children  are  in 
Church. 

7th  and  8th.  Attended  Church  both  mornings;  had  a 
good  attendance  both  of  children  and  adults.  The  music 
very  good;  Nathan  plays  the  organ  for  the  daily  service 


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123 


and  plays  very  well  too.  Old  Mr.  Sheldon  died  this  morn- 
ing at  7  o'clock;  he  is  the  father  of  Miss  Pierce.  His 
funeral  is  to  be  attended  tomorrow. 

22nd.  Saturday.  At  Church  again;  being  a  warm  spring- 
like morning  60  of  the  school  present.  After  service  went 
to  see  Mrs.  Clarkson  with  Mr.  Tucker,  and  he  promised 
to  give  the  old  woman  a  load  of  wood.  This  evening 
Miss  Sutherland  and  Miss  Douglass  took  tea  with  us, 
also  Mr.  Tucker. 

23rd.    Sunday.    Went  to  the  Holy  Cross  this  morning 

and  heard  another  sweet  sermon  from  Mr.  T  .  St. 

Luke,  II  chap,  and  23rd  v.:  "  He  that  is  not  with  me  is 

against  me."    Mr.  T          improves  every  Sunday,  each 

sermon  seems  better  than  the  last.  How  fortunate  we 
have  been  in  getting  so  good  and  excellent  a  man!  A 
kind  Providence  has  certainly  smiled  on  us  in  giving  us 
all  that  we  could  desire;  he  is  truly  a  watchful  shepherd, 
looking  constantly  and  perseveringly  after  the  lambs  of 
his  fold  in  the  dear  little  children  of  our  school — and 
seems  to  do  it  too  with  so  much  kindness  and  affection — 
and  not  only  the  children  but  their  parents  and  all  who  at- 
tend the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  This  afternoon,  went 
to  St.  Paul's  to  hear  Mr.  Van  Kleeck — it  being  so  rainy  I 
have  been  prevented  going  up  to  the  Holy  Cross  to  the 
4  o'clock  service.  This  is  the  first  time  I  have  missed 
any  service  in  our  dear  little  Church,  and  I  have  been 
greatly  disappointed  in  not  being  able  to  go,  as  my  sons 
say  I  have  lost  much  in  the  lecture  and  catechism  as  well 
as  good  music.  Mr.  Tucker  dined  with  us  to-day  as  he 
usually  does  on  Sundays. 

March  8th.  Had  a  pleasant  visit  from  the  Rev.  J.  H. 
Hobart  and  Mr.  Williams;  they  attended  the  services  of 
the  Holy  Cross  and  dined  with  us. 

2ist.  Good  Friday  Morning.  Found  Major  Tucker 
and  daughter  at  the  Holy  Cross  this  morning,  when  we 
went  up  to  the  service.  Had  a  large  congregation  and  a 
most  excellent  sermon.  In  the  afternoon,  had  prayers 
and  no  sermon.    Saturday  went  to  service  in  the  morning 


124 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


and  to  Church  in  the  afternoon  to  hear  the  choir  practice. 
The  evening  the  Tuckers  passed  with  us. 

23rd.  Easter  Sunday.  This  morning  is  cold  but  pleas- 
ant; had  a  large  congregation  and  a  beautiful  sermon. 
The  whole  school  in  attendance,  80  in  number,  all  in 
their  new  dresses — blue  plaid  calico,  bonnets  fawn  color 
trimmed  with  blue,  white  gloves  and  white  capes.  Our 
music  was  never  finer,  6  gentlemen  volunteered  their 
services  to  sing  with  the  choir — the  two  Mr.  Concies, 
Mr.  Brinkerhoof,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Ilsley  and  Mr.  Hopkins; 
Major  T   also  accompanied  them.  We  had  the  Holy- 
Communion  administered  this  morning,  Mr.  Fairbairn 

assisting  Mr.  T  .    33  communicants  went  forward  to 

receive  the  consecrated  elements,  several  of  whom  had 

never  communed  before.    Major  T         and  daughter  and 

son  dined  with  us,  also  their  friend  Mr.  Whitlock  from 
N.  Y.  and  Mr.  Fairbairn.  Attended  service  again  in  the 
afternoon  at  4  o'clock;  had  an  overflowing  congregation 
and  delightful  music;  no  sermon. 

In  her  Easter  entry,  the  loyal  parishioner  thinks 
naturally  of  her  pastor  as  in  charge  of  the  service, 
which  leads  her  to  speak  of  Mr.  Fairbairn  as  as- 
sisting at  the  office  of  the  Holy  Communion.  Mr. 
Fairbairn,  however,  was  Priest  and  Celebrant.  Mr. 
Tucker  was  still  in  the  Order  of  Deacons. 

24th.    Went  to  Church  this  morning  and  had  Major 

T  daughter  and  son  with  Mr.  Whitlock  to  dine  with 

us;  the  Major  and  Mr.  W.  left  for  N.  Y.  at  5  this  after- 
noon and  left  Miss  T.  to  pass  a  few  days  with  us. 

Monday,  31st.  Attended  Church  to-day.  After  dinner 
Miss  Tucker  and  her  brother  left  us  for  New  York.  This 
evening  Mr.  Fairbairn  took  tea  with  us. 

Another  authoritative  source  of  information  is 
to  be  found  in  a  "  Book  of  Records  "  about  ser- 


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125 


vices,  etc.,  started  by  the  young  Deacon  in  charge 
and  continued  for  a  time.  In  general,  the  words 
are  quoted  as  he  wrote  them,  without  condensation 
into  the  form  of  a  summary. 

We  retrace  our  steps,  going  back  to  the  com- 
mencement of  services  at  the  Holy  Cross. 

Upon  the  title-page  of  the  book  we  read  as  fol- 
lows : 

A  Record  of  the 

CHURCH  OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS 

Founded 
by 

Mrs.  Nathan  Warren 
as  a 

Church  for  the  poor  and  all  people. 

John  Ireland  Tucker, 
Deacon — first  Minister  of  the  Parish. 
1844-45. 

The  entries  are  made  in  the  form  of  a  Journal, 
sometimes  with  explanations — interjected  remarks 
— which  throw  light  upon  the  subject.  They  begin: 

In  consequence  of  the  unfortunate  position  of  this  Dio- 
cese, owing  to  the  trial  of  its  Bishop,  it  was  thought  expe- 
dient to  open  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  without 
waiting  until  it  was  consecrated.  Accordingly  the  Church 
was  opened  for  Divine  Service  on  Christmas-day  (morn- 
ing and  afternoon).  In  the  morning  I  offered  the  prayers 
and  preached,  in  the  afternoon  I  was  assisted  at  Evening 
Prayer  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Potter  of  Albany,  the  Rev.  Mr. 


126 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Williams  of  Schenectady,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Van 
Kleeck  and  Fairbairn  of  this  city. 

5/.  Stephens  Day.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Williams,  Van 
Kleeck  and  Fairbairn,  assisted  at  the  service;  myself 
preached. 

St.  John  the  Evangelist^  Dec.  27th.  Assisted  by  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Walter,  Fairbairn  and  Van  Kleeck. 

The  Festival  of  the  Holy  Innocents.  Dec.  28th.  As- 
sisted by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Walter;  myself  preached. 

Festival  of  the  Circumcision.  Morning  Prayer  at  9 
o'clock. 

Epiphany ,]2in'y.  6th.   The  Rev.  Mr.  Williams  preached. 

Septuagesima,  Jan'y.  19th.  Introduced  the  regular 
Morning  Service,  previously  to  this  having  confined  our- 
selves to  the  Evening  Service  on  Sundays,  and  the  full 
Morning  Service  on  Festivals  and  Holydays.  Now,  we 
have  on  Sundays,  Morning  Prayer  and  Sermon  at  half 
past  10;  Evening  Prayer,  followed  by  a  Catechetical  Lec- 
ture, at  4  o'clock.  After  the  lecture,  and  before  the 
congregation  is  dismissed,  the  children  are  assembled 
around  the  Chancel  and  catechized. 

Conversion  of  St.  Paul.    Morning  Prayer  and  Sermon. 

Quinquagesima  Sunday .  Introduced  "the  Offertory" 
on  Sunday  mornings.  In  the  afternoon  of  this  day,  bap- 
tized, after  the  second  lesson,  the  first  person  at  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

Ash  Wednesday ,  Feb.  4th.  Very  stormy — few  at 
Church. 

Feb.  5th.  Introduced  Daily  Mor7iing  Prayer  at  11 
o'clock. 

Feb.  loth.    Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Twing,  Wil- 
liams and  Gibson. 
^   •  Feb.  13th.    Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Twing  and 
Bissell. 

At  divers  times  and  occasions  assisted  by  my  kind  and 
obliging  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn,  Rector  of  Christ 
Church,  this  city. 

Feb.  22nd.    The  daily  service  is  usually  well  attended. 


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127 


including  the  children,  we  generally  number  between  60 
and  70 — considerably  more  than  "  the  Church  quorum." 

Feb.  23rd.  100  persons  at  the  Church  attending  Morn- 
ing Prayer. 

Feb.  24th.  Festival  of  St.  Matthias.  Morning  Prayer 
and  Sermon.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Bissell,  Fairbairn  and 
Gibson  were  present. 

March  8th.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Hobart  and  Williams 
officiated  at  Morning  Prayer. 

March  13th.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Fairbairn,  Bruce,  Sel- 
kirk and  Gibson  were  present  at  Morning  Prayer. 

March  23rd,  Easter  Day.  The  Holy  Communion  was 
on  this  day  administered  in  this  Church  for  the  first  time. 
Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn  officiated  for  me  after  attending  to 
the  services  in  his  own  Church. 

Remark  has  often  been  made  about  the  number 
of  men,  prominent  in  future  years,  who  clustered 
about  the  beginnings  of  the  work  in  Troy.  Dr. 
Horatio  Potter  was  then  Rector  of  St.  Peter's, 
Albany;  later,  Bishop  of  New  York.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams of  Schenectady  is  now  Primus  or  Presiding 
Bishop.  Air.  Kip  became  Bishop  of  California; 
Mr.  Bissell,  Bishop  of  Vermont.  Mr.  Fairbairn 
has  been  for  years  the  honored  Warden  of  St. 
Stephen's  College.  Messrs.  Van  Kleeck  and  Twing 
served  the  whole  Church  in  connection  with  her 
Missionary  department.  These  and  many  others 
are  found  at  the  services  of  the  Holy  Cross — some 
frequently,  some  constantly.  We  see  the  entry  day 
after  day  about  Mr.  Fairbairn  or  Mr.  Van  Kleeck. 
At  dates  not  far  removed  we  note  other  well- 
known  names — Muhlenberg,  De  Koven,  Wain- 
wright.  Bishop  Doane  of  New  Jersey,  Buel,  Mahan, 
Van  Rensselaer,  Stubbs  and  Haight. 


128 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  fact  is  to  be  explained  not  merely  by  the 
pleasant  association  with  the  patroness,  who  was 
a  devoted  daughter  of  the  Church,  and  a  friend  of 
clergy,  and  who  manifested  an  apostolic  grace  in 
that  she  was  given  to  hospitality."  Not  only 
this;  nor  was  it  only  the  attraction  of  the  new  pas- 
tor, who  began  at  once  to  exert  his  wide-spreading 
influence.  Rather  was  it  that  these  and  other  acute 
minds  were  interested  in  the  then  new  development 
of  Church  lif^.  Here  was  the  first  American  ex- 
ample of  the  Church  revival,  about  which  much  had 
been  heard.  Here  were  daily  prayers;  the  appro- 
priate offices  for  holydays,  even  for  Ascension,  a 
day  heretofore  ignored  in  American  religion.  Here 
again  were  choral  services,  also  the  unknown  and 
fearful  mysteries  of  Gregorian  tones — features  iden- 
tified with  the  awakening.  What  wonder  that  these 
Priests,  whose  pulses  stirred  with  sympathy,  should 
crowd  round  the  standard  freshly  set  up  in  Troy 
as  a  beacon  for  the  entire  land!  What  wonder 
that  these  earnest  souls  should  lift  up  their  eyes 
unto  the  hills,  should  climb  often  the  hill  of  Mount 
Ida,  to  pray  and  worship  there! 

Once  more,  Mrs.  Warren's  diary: 

Saturday,  April  5th.  Mr.  Tucker  returned  from  N.  Y. 
this  morning,  and  came  to  breakfast  with  us.  He  gives 
us  favorable  accounts  of  our  Bishop.  We  went  to  Church 
this  morning,  and  Mr.  T  took  tea  with  us. 

Ascension  Day,  May  ist.  Attended  Church  and  the 
■Holy  Communion  was  administered.  We  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  Dr.  Muhlenberg  to  assist  in  the  services;  he  also 
preached   a  most   excellent   sermon.     His   sister  Mrs. 


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129 


Rogers  and  her  daughter  came  up  with  him,  also  IMajor 
and  Mrs.  Tucker,  and  young  Mr.  Berryan;  also  we  had 
Mr.  De  Koven,  Berryan  and  'Sir.  Fairbairn  to  dine  with 
us.  Mrs.  Rogers  and  daughter  with  Mrs.  Tucker  passed 
the  evening  with  us.  We  took  the  party  up  to  see  the 
cottage  in  the  afternoon. 

Friday,  2nd.  Went  to  the  services  of  the  Holy  Cross 
this  morning,  and  in  the  afternoon  took  Major  and  Mrs. 
Tucker  with  Mr.  De  Koven  to  drive  to  the  snuff  factory 
and  around  the  hollow  road. 

Monday,  5th.  Went  to  New  York  with  my  family  this 
morning,  all  except  Stephen.  Stayed  at  the  New  York 
hotel.  Went  a  shopping  on  Tuesday.  Had  several  of 
our  friends  to  see  us. 

Wednesday,  7th.  Dined  with  my  family  at  Major 
Tucker's;  met  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Beck,  Miss  Sands  and  ^Miss 
McVicker.    Had  an  elegant  and  delightful  dinner. 

Thursday,  8th.  Went  a  shopping  most  of  the  day  and 
returned  home  very  tired. 

9th.  Went  this  morning  with  Mrs.  Rogers  to  see  the 
new  Church  she  is  building  on  20th  street.  It  is  a  very 
beautiful  gothic  building,  in  the  form  of  a  cross;  it  will 
be  large  enough  to  contain  7  or  800  people;  to  be  fin- 
ished the  first  of  October.  We  went  to  see  Dr.  Pott's 
Church  which  is  now  erecting;  it  is  also  gothic  with  beau- 
tiful stained  glass  windows,  and  I  spied  two  ornamental 
crosses  in  the  top  of  the  windows.  After  driving  out 
with  Mrs.  Rogers,  went  with  Harriet  and  the  Capt.  to 
return  visits. 

nth.  Whitsu7ida}'.  Attended  the  Church  of  the  Holy 
Cross  to-day,  and  we  had  a  large  congregation  and  two 
most  excellent  sermons,  from  Mr.  Tucker,  very  appro- 
priate for  the  day.  He  is  truly  a  delightful  preacher  as 
well  as  a  most  devoted  and  faithful  pastor;  he  seems  to 
have  gained  the  affections  of  all  his  little  flock  both  old 
and  young.  How  fortunate  we  have  been  in  obtaining 
the  services  of  so  good  a  man!  I  feel  that  he  has  been 
sent  us  by  the  overruling  hand  of  Providence,  and  I  can- 


9 


130 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


not  feel  sufficiently  thankful  to  our  great  Creator  for  all 
the  belongings  he  so  bountifully  bestows  upon  me  and 
mine.  I  see  His  hand  in  everything  that  concerns  me.  I 
have  for  the  last  lo  years  given  myself  up  to  His  guidance, 
and  all  that  belongs  to  me  or  that  I  am  interested  in, 
feeling  assured  that  whatever  befalls  us  would  be  for  the 
best;  with  the  assurance  I  go  on  my  way  rejoicing,  and 
have  the  greatest  reason  in  the  world  to  feel  happy  in 
being  so  highly  favored  and  blessed  in  my  undertakings 
by  my  Heavenly  Father.  May  He  continue  to  smile  on 
my  humble  endeavors  until  I  reach  my  journey's  end, 
which  cannot  be  far  distant;  and  when  I  have  passed 
through  this  vale  of  tears,  may  that  ever  dear  and  blessed 
Saviour  receive  my  soul;  as  it  leaves  my  frail  body,  may  it 
be  attended  by  the  bright  company  of  Angels,  and  com- 
mended to  the  Almighty  Father  whose  creature  I  am  and 
who  formed  me  out  of  dust.  May  I  not  be  terrified  at  the 
approach  of  death.  Let  not  Satan  impede  my  journey, 
but  may  the  adorable  Saviour  who  suffered  death  upon 
the  cross  for  me,  deliver  me  from  all  torments  and  death 
eternal,  and  place  me  forever  within  Paradise;  and  may 
the  Good  Shepherd  receive  me  among  His  sheep  and  par- 
don my  many  sins;  may  I  behold  my  blessed  Redeemer 
face  to  face,  and  be  permitted  to  stand  in  His  presence 
and  to  enjoy  the  sweetness  of  Divine  Contemplation  for 
ever  and  ever. 

Tuesday,  13th.  Moved  up  to  the  cottage  to-day.  It 
has  been  quite  summer  like,  and  the  grounds  around  and 
about  the  cottage  are  looking  beautiful.  I  attended  morn- 
ing prayers  at  the  Holy  Cross  before  we  moved  up. 

27th.  Tuesday.  Five  clergymen  present  at  a  weekday 
service. 

Friday,  May  30th.  At  the  Holy  Cross  at  prayers  this 
morning,  Messrs.  Walter  and  Fairbairn  assisted  Mr.  T. 
with  the  services.  Visited  the  school  in  the  afternoon. 
Heard  the  children  sing  a  beautiful  anthem,  taken  from 
the  27th  Psalm:  "I  will  wash  my  hands  in  innocency." 
The  Solo  was  sung  by  Margaret  Hauer  and  Alice  Rock- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  131 

ingham.  It  was  one  of  the  most  touching  things  I  ever 
heard  and  mehed  me  into  a  flood  of  tears. 

Saturday,  31st.  Was  at  St.  Cross  again  this  morning 
with  my  family.  Five  clergymen  present  and  quite  a  full 
attendance.  We  have  had  at  least  three  of  the  clergy  at 
our  daily  service  every  day  this  week. 

Parallel  entries  in  the  Record  of  Services  "  may 
yet  be  quoted: 

]\Iay  1st,  Ascensiojt  Day.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg 
preached  and  officiated  at  the  Holy  Communion  assisted 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  De  Koven. 

May  i8th.  Trinity  Sunday.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Kleeck 
administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

June  15th,  4th  Su7iday  after  Trinity.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Walter  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Wainwright  preached  in  the  afternoon. 

July  20th,  1845,  9^^^-  Sunday  after  Trinity.  The  Bishop 
of  New  Jersey  officiated  in  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross, 
preaching  in  the  morning  and  in  the  evening. 

July  2ist,  Monday.  The  Bishop  of  New  Jersey  offici- 
ated at  Morning  Prayer,  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Tucker 
and  Fairbairn. 

July  23rd,  Wednesday.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Wainwright  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Tucker  read  Morning  Prayer,  and  the 
Bishop  of  New  Jersey  catechized  the  children. 

The  three  foregoing  entries  are  made  in  a  hand- 
writing difYerent  from  that  observed  throughout 
the  book;  hence  the  variation  in  terminology  about 
the  pastor.  The  ordinary  handwriting  is  resumed 
on 

July  24th.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Kleeck  officiated  at  ^Morn- 
ing  Prayer,  I  being  obliged  to  go  to  Saratoga  to  baptize 
the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart. 


132 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


August  4th,  The  Church  closed  for  the  purpose  of 
painting. 

August  31st.  13th  Sunday  after  Trinity.  The  Church 
was  reopened  for  divine  service.  Assisted  in  the  morning 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Bissell;  in  the  afternoon,  assisted  in  the  ser- 
vice by  Rev.  Mr.  Twing.  The  Rev.  J.  P.  F.  Clark  of 
Long  Island  preached. 

September  7th.  i6th  Sunday  after  Trinity.  At  5 
o'clock  (Evening  Service)  assisted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Gibson, 
Cohoes.  For  some  months  past,  I  have  lectured  in 
Church  at  Yz  past  3  (Sundays)  to  a  Bible  Class.  Sub- 
ject: "The  Acts  of  the  Holy  Apostles." 

14th.  lyth  Sunday  after  Tritiity.  In  consequence  of 
indisposition,  was  compelled  to  break  off  the  service  at 
the  Litany.  At  5  o'clock  there  was  the  usual  service, 
when  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Van  Kleeck  and  Fairbairn  as- 
sisted, and  the  Rev.  Mr.  French  of  Washington  preached. 

2ist.  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn,  after  service  in  his  own 
Church,  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

28th.  Rev.  Mr.  Spooner,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Sandy 
Hill,  preached. 

October  12th.  21st  Sunday  after  Trinity.  I  was  ill. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Parks,  Chaplain  at  West  Point,  officiated 
for  me. 

October  19th.  227id  Sunday  after  Trinity.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Samuel  Buel,  preached  and  officiated  at  the  Holy 
Communion.  The  hour  for  Evening  Service  now  changed 
to  4  o'clock. 

From  20th  to  25th.  The  daily  service  was  attended  to 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Saml.  and  Hillhouse  Buel  andWeaver;  I  being  absent  from 
the  city  on  a  visit  to  my  friends.  During  the  week,  the 
children  without  the  aid  of  the  organ  or  any  one  to  lead 
them,  chanted  the  canticles  to  the  Gregorian  tones. 

October 26th.  2 3rd  Sunday  after  Trinity.  Officiated  all 
day.  In  the  afternoon,  instead  of  lecturing  on  Catechism, 
catechized  the  children  openly  in  the  Church,  before  dis- 
missing the  congregation. 


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133 


Succeeding-  entries — not  quoted — make  frequent 
mention  of  the  names  Samuel  Buel,  Hillhouse  Buel, 
and  Fairbairn. 

November  2nd.  The  Rev.  Hillhouse  Buel  preached  at 
Morning  Service.  I  lectured  in  the  afternoon — an  Intro- 
duction to  the  Ten  Commandments.  The  Anthem:  "The 
Lord  is  King  "  by  Chappell. 

30th.  Advent  Sunday ;  St.  Ajtdreiv.  J.  I.  T.  officiated 
and  preached  in  the  morning.  In  the  afternoon,  the  Right 
Rev.  L.  S.  Ives,  Bishop  of  North  Carolina,  preached. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn  assisted  me  in  the  service.  An- 
them: "Come  unto  Me." 

December  7th.  ist  Sunday  m  Advent.  J,  I.  T.  offici- 
ated morning  and  evening.  Anthem:  "I  was  glad  when 
they  said  unto  Me,"  Callcott. 

In  many  of  the  daily  entries,  not  quoted  here, 
there  is  a  reference  either  to  Mr,  Fairbairn  or  Mr. 
Van  Kleeck.  On  the  loth  of  December,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hallam  of  New  London  is  noted  as  present. 
On  the  14th  (3rd  Sunday  in  Advent)  the  Anthem 
is  "  Hear  my  prayer,"  Kent.  On  Christmas  Eve 
there  is  service  at  half  past  6,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer  assisting. 

25th.  Christmas  Day.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer 
of  Albany  kindly  officiated  for  me  and  preached.  The  alms 
collected  at  the  Offertory  were  appropriated  to  the  relief 
of  the  Nashotah  Mission. 

On  the  evening  of  the  28th,  there  is  a  sermon  by 
the  Rev.  J.  Williams.    Anthem:    Behold,  a  Virgin 
'  shall  conceive,"  from  the  "  Messiah." 

January  ist,  1846.  Festival  of  the  Circumcision.  [In 
another  handwriting.]  The  minister  being  absent  from 
the  city,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn  officiated  for  him. 


134 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  same  note  is  made  having  reference  to  the 
morning  of  the  4th.  But  "  The  Minister "  offi- 
ciated  and  lectured  in  the  afternoon.  Anthem: 
"  There  were  Shepherds,"  from  the  Messiah." 

6th.  Festival  of  Epiphany.  Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Van  Kleeck,  Messrs.  Twing,  Van  Rensselaer  and  Fair- 
bairn.  The  Sunday-school  of  Trinity  Church,  Lansing- 
burgh,  the  Parish-school  of  St.  Paul's  (this  city)  were 
present,  with  the  girls  of  our  Parish-school,  about  200 
in  all.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Kleeck  addressed  this  youth- 
ful congregation. 

February  2nd.  The  Festival  of  the  Presentation  of 
Christ  in  the  Tejnple.  A  full  Choral  Service.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  Van  Kleeck  and  Fairbairn,  Anthem:  "I  waited 
patiently."  The  Christmas  decorations  taken  down  this  day. 

The  last  note  will  supply  indication  of  an  ad- 
vance in  Church  intelligence.  The  "  general 
Church  "  in  America  had  not  yet  awakened  to  the 
fitness  of  things.  As  late  as  one  of  the  "  sixties," 
the  writer  remembers  a  case  in  Jersey  where  the 
sexton  had  neglected  to  take  down  the  greens  " 
in  time  (not  for  the  Purification,  but)  for  the  office 
of  Ash  Wednesday  morning.  A  few  officials  de- 
molished things  immediately  before  the  hour  of 
service.  When  the  congregation  arrived  they  found 
floors  and  seats  still  covered  with  the  pine  needles 
which  had  fallen  everywhere. 

On  the  4th  of  February,  Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  assists 
at  Morning  Prayer,  and  five  other  visiting  clergy 
are  named  as  present. 

8th.  Septuagesifna  Sunday.  In  afternoon,  lecture 
again  on  the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation;  qualifications  &c. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


135 


of  candidates;  benefits  of  the  rite.    Anthem:  "  I  will  wash 
my  hands." 

In  the  evening,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Samuel  A.  McCoskry, 
Bishop  of  Michigan,  administered  the  rite  of  Confirmation 
at  St.  Paul's  Church;  about  86  candidates,  30  presented  by 
myself. 

9th.    I  assisted  at  Morning  Prayers,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bp.  ,* 
McCoskry.    The  Rev.  Messrs.  Van  Kleeck,  Weaver,  Pot- 
ter, Fairbairn,  and  Van  Rensselaer,  were  also  present. 

15th.  Sexagesima  Sunday.  Exchanged  with  Dr.  Pot- 
ter of  Albany.  A  very  stormy  day!  There  were  few  at 
Church.  The  Holy  Communion  was  administered  to  21 
persons. 

25th.  Ash  Wednesday.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis  took  part 
in  the  service  and  also  preached.  The  Canticles  and 
Proper  Psalms  for  the  day,  were  chanted,  without  the 
organ,  to  Gregorian  tones. 

March  ist.  ist  Sunday  in  Lent.  In  the  morning 
preached  on  the  necessity  of  fasting,  as  a  means  of  self- 
discipline.  In  afternoon,  lectured  on  Catechism.  An- 
them: "Turn  Thy  face  from  my  sins,"  Attwood. 

8th.  2nd  Sunday  in  Lent.  In  the  afternoon,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Gibson  assisted  in  the  service,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis 
preached;  the  subject  of  his  discourse — "  The  Presence  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  Church."  Anthem:  "  Teach  me,  O 
Lord,  the  way  of  Thy  statutes,"  Dr.  Rogers. 

April  loth.  Good  Friday.  Morning  Service  and  Ser- 
mon at  Yz  past  10.  Evening  Prayer  at  3  o'clock,  A  good 
congregation  at  both  services.  A  bright,  clear  day.  No 
chanting  or  singing  at  the  Evening  Prayer.  The  children 
learned  a  portion  of  the  53rd  chap,  of  Isaiah,  and  recited 
it  to  me  in  the  afternoon.  No  singing  lesson  or  other 
studies. 

I2th.  Easter  Day.  We  could  not  begin  the  service  in 
the  morning  before  11  o'clock.  We  waited  until  this  hour 
to  obtain  the  services  of  Mr.  Hopkins  as  Organist.  The 
service  was  through  at  about  2  o'clock.  The  Psalms  for 
the  day,  Litany  &c.  chanted.    The  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn 


136 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


administered  the  Holy  Communion;  about  43  communi- 
cants. Two  girls  of  the  school  received  the  Holy  Eucha- 
rist. The  offerings,  appropriated  for  Domestic  Missions, 
amounted  to  $41.29. 

The  girls  put  on  today  their  new  uniform— a  straw  col- 
ored bonnet  with  pink  lining,  and  a  lilac  calico  dress,  with 
white  cape.  [The  variation  from  Mrs.  Warren's  record, 
is  attributable  to  the  point  of  view — the  way  the  woman 
looks  at  it  compared  with  that  of  a  man.] 

Service  without  sermon  in  the  afternoon  at  5  o'clock. 
The  Anthem:  "Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead," 
written  for  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  by  Mr.  Hop- 
kins. The  weather  cold  and  cloudy;  rained  a  little  at 
times  during  the  day. 

13th.  Monday  in  Easter  Week.  Psalms  and  versicles 
chanted.    Anthem:  "  Hallelujah,"  Jackson. 

14th.  Tuesday  in  Easter  Week.  I  chajited  the  Morn- 
ing Prayer,  the  choir  responding,  as  it  is  given  in  Tallis' 
service,  and  performed  in  English  Cathedrals. 

Three  girls  of  the  school  baptized  after  2nd  lesson. 
Anthem:  "  Hosannah,"  and  after  Gospel,  "Hallelujah," 
Jackson. 

19th.  Low  Sunday.  In  the  afternoon,  lectured  on 
"  Forms  of  Prayer,"  introductory  to  the  Lord's  Prayer 
which  next  comes  before  us  in  the  Catechism.  Anthem: 
"  Christ  our  Passover  is  sacrificed  for  us,"  Chappell. 

25th.  St.  Mark's  Day.  The  whole  service  chanted, 
prayers  read  on  a  monotone,  &c. 

26th.  27td  Su7iday  after  Easter.  In  the  afternoon, 
lectured  again  on  "  Forms  of  Prayer."  Anthem:  "  Ho- 
sannah."  I  meet  the  children  in  the  schoolroom  at  4 
o'clock.  They  say  the  Collect;  are  questioned  on  the  les- 
sons in  the  Morning  Service,  and  on  the  Sermon  (the  text 
and  what  I  was  preaching  about).  The  principal  exercise 
is  the  examination  of  their  "  proofs,"  texts  of  Scripture, 
written  out,  to  prove  certain  truths  or  facts  of  our  religion. 

May  4th.  Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Beach  Carter  who  is 
now  officiating  at  St.  John's  in  this  city. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


137 


loth.  4th  Sunday  after  Easter.  It  has  been  my  rule 
since  the  Church  has  been  opened  for  divine  service,  al- 
ways to  preach  on  Sunday  mornings  from  the  Epistle  or 
Gospel. 

The  weather  today  not  pleasant;  in  the  afternoon  it 
rained  furiously  about  the  time  of  service.  Lectured  for 
the  fourth  time  on  "  Forms  of  Prayer  " — the  usage  of  the 
Church  in  respect  of  Liturgies.  Text  I  Cor.  xi.,  16,  "  But 
if  any  man  seem  to  be  contentious,  we  have  no  such 
custom,  neither  the  Churches  of  God."  Anthem:  Ho- 
sannah." 

15th.  Mr.  Greene  (a  candidate  for  orders)  read  service. 
The  Rev.  IMessrs,  Van  Kleeck,  Carter  and  myself,  and  the 
clergy  in  the  neighborhood,  went  to  Albany,  to  meet  the 
remains  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Walter,  Rector  of  St.  John's 
Church,  this  city. 

17th.  Exchanged  with  Rev.  Jno.  Williams  of  Schenec- 
tady. 

2ist.  Ascensioji  Day.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Carter  officiated 
for  me.  The  rest  of  the  clergy  were  absent  from  the  city, 
as  this  was  the  day  set  apart  for  the  consecration  of 
Trinity  Church,  New  York. 

31st.  Whitsunday.  Assisted  in  the  morning  and  af- 
ternoon service  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Greene,  deacon  of  New 
Jersey,  ordained  last  week. 

June  7th.  Trinity  Sunday.  The  Rev.  ]Mr.  Greene 
preached  in  the  afternoon.  Anthem:  "O  praise  God  in 
His  holiness." 

2ist.  27id  Sunday  after  Trinity.  (Communion  Sun- 
day.) The  Rev.  Mr.  Weaver  of  West  Troy  officiated  for 
me.  In  the  evening  service,  assisted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Greene. 
This  is  the  first  instance  when  we  have  7iot  had  the  full 
choral  service  in  afternoon.  By  "  full  "  I  mean  here  the 
Versicles  and  Psalms  for  the  day.  Mr.  Hopkins,  the 
Organist,  was  late,  and  I  was  forced  to  commence  without 
the  voluntary. 

24th.  Festival  of  St.  John  the  Baptist.  Versicles, 
Psalms  for  the  day.  Litany  &c.  chanted. 


138 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  titles  of  Anthems  are  noted  in  many  entries. 
As  a  rule,  one  occurs  on  each  Sunday  and  Holy- 
day.  Upon  the  12th  of  July  the  choir  sings  a  new 
Anthem,  "  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,"  composed 
by  Mr.  Hopkins.  The  record  for  the  19th  of  July 
states : 

In  the  afternoon  at  Evening  Prayer,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Greene  read  prayers  and  I  lectured.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Greene,  not  having  received  a  formal  license  to  preach 
frora  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey,  does  not  feel  at  liberty 
to  preach.  The  Anthem:  "Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way 
of  Thy  statutes,"  Rogers. 

At }4  oi  4,  1  married  a  couple  from  Albany;  the  marriage 
to  be  kept  from  the  public  for  3  months.  The  man  was 
introduced  to  me  by  Mr.  David  Thompson,  a  respectable 
person  in  this  city;  it  was  on  his  assurance  that  all  was 
right,  that  I  consented  to  officiate  under  such  suspicious 
circumstances. 

26th.  yt/t  Sunday  after  Trinity.  At  Evening  Service, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Weaver  pronounced  the  Absolution,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Stubbs  of  New  Jersey  preached: — the  Character 
of  Cornelius,  particularly  his  devotion.  The  Anthem: 
"  Blessed  is  the  man  that  hath  set  his  hope  in  the  Lord," 
Chappell. 

August  2nd.  8th  Sunday  after  Trinity.  I  was  pre- 
vented by  illness  from  attending  to  my  duties.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Mahan  of  St.  Paul's  College  officiated  for  me  in  the 
morning;  he  also  preached  in  the  afternoon.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  Fairbairn  and  Carter  assisted  in  the  service.  The 
Anthem:  "Teach  me,  O  Lord,"  Rogers. 

August  3rd — 30th.    The  Church  closed. 

August  30th.  12th  Sunday  after  Trinity.  The  Church 
reopened  for  divine  service.  Officiated  myself  morning  and 
afternoon.    Anthem:  "The  Lord  is  King,"  Chappell. 

During  the  vacation  17  of  the  children  have  had  the 
measles;  by  the  care  and  mercy  of  God,  they  have  all 


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139 


now  recovered,  and  not  one  was  prevented  by  illness  from 
attending  the  services  this  day. 

September  2nd.  Assisted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Stokes,  a  clergy- 
man of  Rhode  Island,  a  gentleman  of  color  in  charge  of  a 
colored  congregation  at  Providence.  He  is  travelling  to 
raise  money  to  pay  of?  a  debt  on  his  Church  building. 

4th.  I  was  alone;  my  friend  j\Ir.  F.  is  officiating  at 
St.  Paul's  in  Rev.  Van  Kleeck's  absence. 

13th.  Anthem:  "  Sanctus "  from  Mozart.  Rev.  Mr. 
Arnold  of  Canada  in  church, 

20th.  13th  Su7iday  after  Trinity.  The  Rev.  Hillhouse 
Buel  officiated,  preached  and  celebrated  the  Holy  Com- 
munion. I  preached  at  St.  John's.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Pike, 
Canada,  present  at  morning  service,  and  preached  in  the 
evening.  After  2nd  lesson  (Evening  Prayer)  baptized  7 
children  (infants  and  children).  The  service  being  longer 
than  usual,  we  were  obliged  to  introduce  lights.  Anthem: 
"  From  the  Rising  of  the  Sun,"  arranged  from  Mozart. 

27th.  i6th  SiiJiday  after  Trinity.  I  officiated  at  Morn- 
ing and  Evening  Prayer.  In  the  morning,  preached  from 
the  Epistle;  in  evening,  lectured  the  third  time  on  the 
Sacraments.  The  ^Minister's  part  in  the  Versicles  (Even- 
ing Prayer)  was  intoned. 

Two  splendidly  bound  copies  of  "  The  Daily  Service  " 
with  the  musical  notation,  a  book  compiled  and  edited 
by  N.  B.  Warren,  Esq.,  were  placed  upon  the  Altar  to- 
day. 

From  28th  to  October  4th,  I  was  in  New  York  attend- 
ing the  Convention;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Carter  and  H.  Buel 
kindly  officiated  for  me. 

October  4th.  ijth  Sunday  after  Trinity.  I  could  not 
leave  New  York  before  Saturday  night;  unfortunately 
detained  on  the  river  by  fog,  and  did  not  reach  Troy  be- 
fore II  o'clock.  When  I  arrived  at  the  Church,  they  were 
singing  the  Te  Deuin.  Capt.  Schriver  had  officiated, 
reading  the  service  outside  the  chancel  rails.  I  relieved 
him  at  2nd  lesson. 

In  afternoon,  I  did  not  lecture:  the  service  is  so  late,  or 


V 


I40  DOCTOR  TUCKER 

rather  the  days  so  short,  that  it  is  ahnost  dark  before  we 
get  through  service. 

nth.  i8th  Sunday  after  Trinity.  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn 
preached.  At  Evening  Service,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Haight 
pronounced  the  Absolution  and  offered  concluding  pray- 
ers, and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baker  of  Baltimore  read  the  les- 
sons.   Anthem:  "The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd." 

14th.  Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Haight  and  Van 
Kleeck.  Rev.  Messrs.  Bronson  of  Ohio,  Buel,  Weaver 
and  Fairbairn  present. 

i8th.  igth  Sufiday  after  Tritiity  ;  St.  Luke  the  Evan- 
gelist. Snow,  hail  and  rain.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Buel  preached 
and  ofificiated  at  the  Holy  Communion.  He  also  assisted  at 
Evening  Service  when  I  intoned  \\\^  service.  My  object  in 
intoning  is  to  prevent  the  inconsistency  of  reading  half  a 
verse  (as  in  the  Versicles)  and  singing  the  other  half; 
another  reason  is  to  get  rid  of  the  organ  accompaniment 
in  the  Versicles  and  Amens.  They  cannot  "  keep  the 
key  "  unless  I  intone,  and  thus  keep  it  for  them.  I  am 
now  convinced  that  the  whole  must  stand  or  fall  together. 
The  singing  the  Versicles  or  Responses  merely,  is  an  im- 
perfect, a  half-way  sort  of  thing,  defective  in  a  musical  as 
well  as  ecclesiastical  point  of  view.  If  the  Choral  Service 
is  to  be  maintained,  it  must  be  the  whole  service  and  not 
in  part.  However,  I  do  not  like  to  intone,  because  I  am 
conscious  that  as  yet,  until  the  novelty  wears  off,  I  am  but 
exhibitiiig  myself,  when  I  would  like  them  to  regard  me 
simply  as  praying^  not  thinking  of  the  mode.  Anthem: 
"  Blessed  is  the  man." 

November  ist.  21st  Sunday  after  Trittity  ;  All  Saints^ 
Day.  Preached  in  the  morning  on  the  text  *'  This  honor 
have  all  His  saints." 

The  hour  for  Evening  Service  changed  to  four.  I  think 
I  shall  not  resume  my  lectures,  because  after  a  Sunday  or 
two,  if  I  lectured,  before  I  got  half  through  I  should  not 
be  able  to  see  my  congregation — and  this  is  dull  and  un- 
profitable business.  I  am  sorry  that  I  was  compelled  to 
break  off  just  where  I  did;  5  lectures  more  (4  on  the 


If 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


141 


Sacraments)  would  have  completed  the  course  on  the 
Catechism.  But  I  suppose  the  people  (I  can't  say  my 
people)  are  just  as  wise.    Anthem:  Mozart's  "  Sanctus." 

2nd.    Assisted  by  no  one. 

3rd.    Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn. 

On  4th  and  5th.  Rev.  Mr.  Cox  of  Zion  Church,  N.  Y., 
present  at  service. 

6th.  In  the  absence  of  Mr.  Warren,  Mary  Cole  (who 
has  been  entirely  educated  at  our  school)  acted  as  organ- 
ist.   The  chanting  went  as  smoothly  as  ever  it  did. 

26th.  Thanksgiving  Day.  Assisted  in  the  service  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lewin  of  Maryland,  who  is  on  a  visit  to  our 
city  to  collect  funds  for  a  "  Religious  House  "  to  be  estab- 
lished at  Georgetown,  D.  C,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Bishop  of  Maryland. 

I  was  pained  to  find  so  small  an  attendance  of  my  pa- 
rishioners. The  worshippers  and  servants  of  mammon 
cannot  find  time  to  serve  God,  except  on  a  Sunday.  The 
ingratitude  and  irreverence  of  the  mass  of  our  country- 
men are  enough  to  bring  a  curse  upon  the  nation.  There 
were  about  15  persons  present  beside  the  children  of  the 
school. 

29th.  Advent  Sunday,  The  Rev.  Mr.  Lewin  preached 
in  the  morning,  on  the  parable  of  The  Laborers  in  the 
Vineyard,  and  assisted  at  the  Evening  Service,  He  cate- 
chized the  children  in  the  school-room. 

December  2nd — sth.  Assisted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fair- 
bairn. Since  last  Sunday  we  have  used  on  every  day  of 
the  week,  the  Benedictus  instead  of  the  Jubilate,  as  more 
suitable  for  the  Advent  season. 

13th.  3rd  Sunday  in  Advent.  Preached  on  the  Chris- 
tian Ministry.  The  Rev,  Mr.  Geer  took  part  in  the 
Evening  Service. 

20th.  4th  Sunday  in  Advent.  Sermon:  Preparation  for 
Christ's  Coming  or  the  Necessity  of  Repentance,  Anthem: 
"  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord." 

23rd  and  24th.  Church  closed  for  the  purpose  of  adorn- 
ing it  for  the  Festival. 


142 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


No  service  on  Christmas  Eve,  because  I  think  it  inter- 
feres with  the  service  on  Christmas  Day,  many  persons 
satisfying  themselves  with  keeping  Christmas  by  coming 
to  Church  on  the  Eve.  Besides  our  experience  last  year 
convinced  us  that  the  children  were  worn  out  by  the  exer- 
tion and  excitement  of  the  Christmas  Eve  service,  and 
thereby  unfitted  for  a  proper  celebration  of  the  Festival 
itself. 

I  assisted  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Kleeck  at  St.  Paul's 
Church. 

December  25th.  Christmas  Day.  Service  at  Yz  past  11. 
The  Responses,  Prayers,  Litany,  chanted  or  intoned. 
After  the  Gospel,  the  Nicene  Creed  (music  by  Jackson) 
was  sung  as  an  Anthem.  Boyce  in  A  was  the  Service  used. 
Tallis'  "  Sanctus."  After  the  Sermon,  the  Anthem  "  Glory 
to  God "  with  the  Recitative  "  There  were  shepherds " 
from  the  "  Messiah." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Fairbairn  consecrated  the  elements  in 
the  Holy  Eucharist. 

It  was  five  minutes  past  one,  when  I  concluded  my 
sermon. 

After  service,  the  children  of  the  school,  and  some  of 
their  parents,  partook  of  a  sumptuous  dinner  provided  for 
them  by  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Warren.  The  children 
amused  themselves  until  half  past  four  o'clock,  and  then 
went  to  Mrs.  Warren's  to  receive  their  Christmas  presents. 

There  was  the  usual  Christmas  tree,  only  more  beauti- 
ful than  I  had  ever  seen  it:  the  table  was  covered  with 
books,  handkerchiefs,  cakes,  apples,  candies,  &c.  The 
girls  sang  "  While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  "  (An- 
tioch)  and  the  Carol  in  Horn's  Christmas  Bells  "  How 
grand  and  how  bright."  The  weather  mild;  rained  in  the 
afternoon.    .    .  . 

27th.  Sunday  after  Christmas;  St.  Johii  the  Evafi- 
gelist.  Exchanged  in  the  morning  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fair- 
bairn. Anthem:  "Behold,  a  Virgin  shall  conceive,"  and 
"  O  Thou  that  bringest  good  tidings  "  from  the  "  Mes- 
siah." 


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143 


28th.  Holy  Innocents'  Day.  Assisted  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Fairbairn. 

So  the  Record  ends,  with  a  statement  which  oc- 
curs many  more  times  in  the  original  than  in  the 
sections  here  reproduced.  It  will  be  noticed  that 
the  Diary  of  Services  conducts  to  the  close  of  the 
year  1846,  through  the  first  two  years  of  the  long 
and  happy  pastorate. 


VIII 


THE  CHORAL  SERVICE 

Wholesome  usages,  or  those  of  any  other  kind, 
must  have  their  beginnings  somewhere.  The  Uttle 
ecclesiastical  structure  upon  the  hill  of  Mount  Ida 
has  been  called  a  "  Church  of  First  Things,"  for 
the  reason  that  many  of  our  customs — reverent 
methods  and  fitting  ornaments  of  service  now 
firmly  established — made  their  first  start,  and  had 
their  American  introduction,  at  the  Church  of  the 
Holy  Cross  in  Troy.  Here  was  settled  the  due  ob- 
servance of  the  Holydays  of  our  Lord  and  of  Saints' 
days.  Here  was  started,  for  all  America,  the 
preaching  in  the  surplice;  the  introduction  of  flow- 
ers as  an  adornment  for  the  sanctuary;  the  turning 
toward  the  East  in  Gloria  and  Creed,  and  the  use 
of  colored  stoles.  Trifles  they  may  be — at  least  so 
somebody  has  styled  them — but  they  are  the  out- 
ward signs  of  an  inward  moving. 

At  this  late  day  it  may  be  difficult  to  realize  the 
amount  of  agitation  which  accompanied  the  efifort 
to  bring  about  a  simple  restoration  of  that  which 
belonged  to  this  branch  of  the  ancient  Church  of 
Christ.  Prejudice,  when  once  it  has  hold,  dies 
hard.    Witness  an  extract  from  a  newspaper — pub- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  145 

lished  about  the  time  whereof  we  write,  in  1846 — 
wherein  the  request  that  clergy  shall  appear  in 
surplices  at  a  Church  consecration,  is  denounced  as 
an  "  unwarrantable  liberty,"  calling  for  protest  and 
resistance. 

Consecration  of  Trinity  Church.  [New  York.] — This  • 
new  edifice,  erected  by  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  Church, 
will  be  consecrated  on  Thursday  next,  21st  instant  (Ascen- 
sion Day).  We  have  not  received  any  information  to  enable 
us  to  answer  the  inquiry  of  one  of  our  clerical  corre- 
spondents, "  H.  G.,"  whether  the  "  clergy  are  to  be  invited 
to  appear  in  their  surplices,  and  if  so,  by  what  authority?  " 
We  are  not  willing  to  suppose  that  our  worthy  acting 
bishop  is  prepared  to  recommend  or  sanction  such  an  in- 
novation, believing  that  "  as  our  own  bishops  have  here- 
tofore contented  themselves  with  requesting  the  clergy  to 
appear  in  their  gowns,  one  officiating  temporarily  will  be 
satisfied  to  do  the  same."  By  whatever  person  or  persons 
such  a  request  may  be  made,  we  question  whether  it  is 
the  duty  of  the  clergy  to  submit  to  it,  because,  to  give  no 
other  reason,  it  is  clearly  an  innovation  upon  the  estab- 
lished order  of  the  diocese. 

The  misunderstandings  concerning  the  disuse  of 
the  black  gown  have  gone  down  into  history,  as 
is  further  betokened  by  an  illustration  in  one  of 
Thackeray's  novels,  where  a  stout  and  irate  woman 
parishioner  trounces  out  of  the  church,  slamming 
the  pew-door  behind  her,  as  the  parson  pops  up 
in  the  wine-glass  pulpit,  arrayed  in  a  full-blown 
white  surplice. 

Dr.  Fairbairn  calls  attention  to  the  prompt  deci- 
sion and  action  on  the  part  of  the  young  incumbent 
of  the  Holy  Cross,  when  he  asserts  that  Mr.  Tucker 
10 


146 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


preached  at  once,  at  the  beginning  of  his  pastor- 
ate, in  the  surphce.  He  never  used  the  black 
gown.'' 

Among  other  features  of  restoration,  distinctly 
traceable  to  the  work  at  Troy,  was  the  use  of  the 
Choral  Service. 

In  this  connection,  the  credit  of  a  founder — far- 
seeing  and  wise — must  be  attributed  to  Nathan  B. 
Warren,  Mus.  Doc.  The  son  of  the  patroness, 
while  yet  young  in  years,  was  devoted  to  the  idea 
of  a  sung  service  long  before  the  thought  was  car- 
ried out  among  us.  Far  back,  even  before  the 
day  of  the  building  of  the  Holy  Cross,  he  played 
chants,  and  had  them  sung  to  the  ordinary  Can- 
ticles— a  proceeding  then  pronounced  not  pious  by 
many  good  people. 

At  one  time  he  made  a  tour  of  England,  largely 
for  the  purpose  of  the  study  of  the  Cathedrals  and 
the  Cathedral  service.  In  the  parish  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Troy,  when  the  children  belonging  to  his 
mother's  industrial  school  were  formed  into  a  choir, 
trained  to  sing  at  special  services,  and  when  upon 
occasion  Mr.  Warren  used  to  act  as  organist,  it  will 
be  remembered  that,  at  a  children's  Easter  service, 
he  introduced  portions  of  the  old  choral  use. 

What  wonder  that  when  the  "  Holy  Cross  "  was 
erected  and  services  started  there  the  choral 
method  should  come  into  rapid  and  permanent 
adoption!  About  this  speedy  development,  we  are 
certified  by  records,  made  at  the  time,  by  Mrs.  War- 
ren and  by  the  Deacon  in  charge.  The  latter  was 
himself  a  musician  and.  a  solid  Churchman.  He 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


147 


was  ready  and  happy  to  work  along  the  lines  de- 
sired by  the  foundress  and  her  sons. 

The  term  "  full  choral  "  covers  many  variations 
of  meaning.  Mrs.  Warren  makes  use  of  it  in  her 
Christmas  entry,  applying  it  to  a  service  in  which 
there  was  no  intoning  at  all ;  the  latter  feature — the 
chanting  of  the  prayers — is  mentioned  in  the  Jour- 
nal of  Services  as  a  new  thing,  just  introduced,  in- 
the  year  1846.  Mr.  Tucker  himself  gives  his  own 
definition  of  the  phrase  "  full  choral  ":  by  '  full '  I 
mean  here  the  Versicles  and  Psalms  for  the  day." 
Even  so,  as  it  turned  out,  he  meant  only  the  choir 
responses  to  the  Versicles,  for  he  writes,  27th 
September:  "The  minister's  part  in  the  Versicles 
(Evening  Prayer)  was  intoned,"  i.e.,  the  minister's 
part  was  first  sung  or  chanted  on  this  date. 

Nowadays  by  the  phrase  full  choral  "  we  under- 
stand a  rendering  in  which  everything  is  sung  or 
chanted — everything  except  the  lessons.  To  that 
sort  of  completeness  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross 
soon  attained.  Witness  the  entry  made  on  the  14th 
of  April:  I  chanted  the  Morning  Prayer,  the  choir 
responding  as  it  is  given  in  Tallis'  service."  That 
was  indeed  an  achievement,  a  thing  unknown  in 
America  before.  It  was  a  restoration  of  primitive 
usage  as  emphatic  as  any  occurring  in  the  later 
history  of  the  Church.  The  tones,  the  vocal  har- 
monies then  sounded  out  in  Troy,  were  in  very 
truth  first  things,"  also  great  things  for  the  people 
of  God  in  the  new  land.  After  this  they  sang  as 
they  journeyed  on  their  way;  their  lips  were  opened 
to  show  forth  His  praise.     Gradually  they  are 


148 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


coming  to  claim  their  right  and  heritage,  to  make 
complete  use  of  the  powerful  agency  of  music  in 
their  efforts  to  pay  worship  to  the  Most  High. 

While  the  method  is  yet  a  novelty  to  himself,  we 
find  Mr.  Tucker  debating  in  his  own  mind  the 
question  whether  he  can  intone  and  avoid  the  feel- 
ing that  he  will  make  an  exhibition  of  himself.  But 
he  soon  discovers  the  value  of  the  "  praying  tone," 
and  adheres  to  it  for  the  remainder  of  his  earthly 
career.  He  is  intellectual  and  at  the  same  time 
artistic;  on  both  grounds  he  is  sensitive  to  the  in- 
consistency of  a  proceeding  in  which  half  of  a  verse 
is  read  and  the  remaining  response  is  sung. 

Would  that  he  had  many  followers  in  our  own 
day!  The  fitness  of  things  is  sometimes  lost  sight 
of.  Not  long  since  a  cleric  from  the  region  of  New 
York  was  a  visitor  in  Troy.  He  met  there  a  Rec- 
tor of  a  Church  in  that  city.  The  conversation 
turned  upon  choral  services,"  with  which  both  are 
familiar.  The  visitor  remarked  upon  the  strange 
fashion  which  had  come  up  in  certain  parishes, 
in  accordance  with  which  an  officiant  would 
read  a  Versicle  and  the  choir  sing  the  Response; 
also  read  a  Collect  and  the  choir  sing  the  Amen. 
The  Troy  Rector  was  incredulous;  at  first  he 
doubted  the  accuracy  of  the  report.  He  said:  "  Do 
you  expect  me  to  believe  this?"  Later,  however, 
he  rehearsed  the  story  to  another,  speaking  of  it 
as  an  unheard-of  "  half-hitch  "  arrangement,  as  an 
abomination  in  the  aesthetics  of  religion. 

The  fine  artistic  sense,  the  Church  poise  and  mu- 
sical training,  were  efficient  guides  for  the  inex- 


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perienced  deacon.  He  would  not  be  likely  to 
violate  the  proprieties.  For  the  same  causes  he 
kept  himself  separate  from  any  and  all  modern  fads 
about  the  vesting  of  his  women  choristers  in  cotta 
or  surplice.  Good  taste  was  ever  the  law  with  him. 
He  could  not  be  induced  to  dress  up  his  girls  in 
boys'  clothes,  and  this  too  as  a  public  spectacle  be- 
fore men!  Naturally,  he  tended  toward  the  side  of 
refined  culture. 

The  Choral  Service  has  had  much  to  fight  against 
in  the  course  of  its  American  development.  Not 
only  has  there  been  an  invidious  distinction  depre- 
ciating the  musical  participation  of  the  priest  or 
the  chanting  of  a  prayer,  but  in  many  cases  the 
examples  of  the  function  as  heard  by  the  people 
have  been  against  it.  Surpliced  choirs  and  Choral 
Services  used  to  go  together;  the  one  implied  the 
other.  But  that  day  has  passed.  "  Boy  choirs  " 
have  been  multiplied  beyond  their  natural  propor- 
tion— even  in  localities  where  singing  boys  are  not 
to  be  had  or  made,  and  where  no  suitable  trainer 
is  at  hand.  As  a  consequence,  it  is  not  unusual 
now  to  hear  a  choir  in  which  the  treble  voices  are 
strained  or  nasal,  strident  or  squalling,  in  which 
the  whole  body  sings  out  of  tune  and  the  cultiva- 
tion of  tone  is  manifestly  at  a  discount.  Naturally, 
when  this  sort  of  a  choir  essays  a  choral  office,  the 
effort  does  not  recommend  itself;  there  is  little  pos- 
sibility that  it  shall  work  for  the  edification  of  man 
or  the  glory  of  God.  Again,  faulty  training  and 
conducting  will  come  to  the  front.  It  may  happen 
that  the  words  of  the  Psalter  will  be  taken  at  such 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


a  rapid  pace  or  so  indistinctly  that  the  people  can 
take  no  part,  and  the  backbone  of  a  sung  service 
will  be  broken;  or  the  Responses  may  be  sung  so 
languidly,  to  such  a  quartet-like  dying  strain,  that 
worshippers  will  have  naught  to  do  with  it.  They 
are  left  out  in  the  cold.  That  which  ought  to 
be  warming,  inspiring  and  arousing,  becomes  a 
source  of  frigidity. 

So  it  will  appear  that  sufficient  reason  may  be 
found  to  explain  the  apparent  fact  that  the  choral 
use  is  not  as  popular  now  as  it  was  ten  or  twenty 
years  ago. 

But  to  return  to  our  Mission.  Another  of  the 
first  things  "  there  introduced  was  the  adoption 
of  the  Gregorian  tones,  sometimes  as  settings  for 
the  Canticles,  eventually  for  the  Psalter.  For  the 
last-named  portion  of  the  service  the  Gregorian 
setting  came  to  be  the  invariable  rule.  In  what 
may  be  called  the  middle  age  of  the  Holy  Cross 
choir,  when  they  used  the  Helmore  pointing,  where 
each  word  is  printed  under  its  appropriate  note  in 
the  "  black  notation,"  the  method  of  pointing,  and 
the  way  in  which  it  was  read  by  the  singers,  seemed 
to  affect  their  delivery.  They  were  deliberate;  they 
bestowed  well-considered  emphasis.  They  were 
free  from  the  feeling,  almost  unavoidable  when  the 
words  of  a  recitative  are  accumulated  under  a  single 
note,  that  these  must  be  got  through  with  after  an 
expeditious  fashion,  in  a  glib,  let-her-go  "  style, 
which  is  ruinous  to  congregational  participation.  I 
have  been  told  by  a  worshipper  who  had  in  large  part 
lost  his  sense  of  hearing,  that  when  the  choir  sang 


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from  the  Helmore  pointing  he  was  able  to  detect 
the  words  and  to  follow  with  ease.  When  other 
pointing  was  employed  he  w^as  not  able.  So  it 
was,  during  a  large  part  of  its  career,  that  the  choir 
of  the  Holy  Cross  recommended  the  Choral  Ser- 
vice, by  its  careful  and  reverent  rendering  of  the 
Psalter — the  chief  feature  of  the  entire  function. 

Of  course  the  clamor  of  opposition  was  not 
wanting.  Tongues  did  wag  for  a  time.  Hard 
things  were  said  about  the  institution  and  its  cleri- 
cal head.  But  both  lived  through  it  and  outlived 
it  all. 

Early  in  the  history  of  the  choir — two  or  three 
years  after  the  opening — there  began  to  be  doubts 
within,  among  those  most  interested,  about  the 
advisability  of  the  continuance  of  the  Choral  Ser- 
vice. The  thing  was  yet  an  experiment.  It  was  a 
novelty  even  to  the  Pastor,  and  he  was  willing  to 
let  it  go;  at  one  time  he  pronounced  it  a  failure. 
Others  agreed  with  him.  But  Nathan  B.  Warren 
held  to  it  and  carried  it  through;  he  was  sure  of  its 
ultimate  success.  So  he  it  was  who  began  and  who 
continued  the  traditionary  use. 

In  fact,  as  the  Rector  says  in  a  sermon  preached 
not  long  before  the  Jubilee,"  almost  all  the  "  nov- 
elties "  introduced  at  the  Holy  Cross  were  the  re- 
sults of  lay  ef¥ort.  It  was  not  a  case  of  priestly 
autocracy,  not  that  of  a  clergyman  crowding  down 
his  whims  upon  an  unwilling  congregation.  There 
was  no  "  aggrieved  parishioner."  The  parishioners 
themselves  planned  and  suggested  that  which  was 
carried  out. 


152 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Perchance  it  may  be  said  that  the  Church  revival 
as  set  forth  at  the  Holy  Cross  represented  the 
aesthetic  rather  than  the  sacramental  side.  There 
would  be  a  certain  amount  of  truth  in  the  remark, 
in  so  far  as  the  one  phase  was  made  more  prom- 
inent, more  in  evidence,  than  the  other. 

True  it  is  that  the  congregation  did  not  attain  to 
the  degree  of  "  advancement  "  manifested  by  many 
at  the  present  time.  Eucharistic  vestments  did  not 
come  into  use;  there  was  only  one  silk  chalice  veil 
— a  white  one — and  many  prayer  books  were  scat- 
tered about,  or  set  in  divers  locations,  upon  the 
covering  of  the  altar  slab. 

Yet  the  strong  obligation  of  the  highest  service 
was  recognized  and  acted  upon;  and  this  in  a  day 
of  "  the  careful  and  niggardly  economy  of  the  Holy 
Communion  which  omitted  the  Celebration  on  the 
first  Sunday  of  the  month,  if  Easter  or  AVhitsun- 
day  came  just  before  or  after  it."  The  Rector  of 
the  Holy  Cross  acknowledged  the  purpose  of  the 
Church,  to  make  the  Eucharist  a  frequent  or  a 
constant  offering.  He  saw  in  the  Prayer  Book  a 
plain  requirement,  demanding  a  Celebration  when- 
ever a  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel  were  provided. 

So  the  weekly  Eucharist  was  established,  to- 
gether with  a  "  pure  offering  "  upon  each  Holyday. 
Therefore  was  it  that  attacks  and  abuse,  railing 
and  contumely  were  multiplied. 

At  the  Holy  Cross  most  of  the  Sunday  Celebra- 
tions were  early;  the  late  ones  occurred  only  on 
the  festival  of  the  "  first  Sunday  of  the  month  "  or 
other  chief  feasts.  Soon  this  later  Celebration  came 


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to  be  completely  choral,  even  as  to  the  part  taken 
by  the  Priest. 

The  Rector  refers  to  this  in  the  sermon  just 
quoted:  "  We  had  in  this  Church  a  Choral  Celebra- 
tion of  the  Holy  Communion,  when  there  was  not 
a  Cathedral  in  Great  Britain  which  dignified  and 
honored  the  Celebration  of  the  blessed  Eucharist 
with  the  accompaniment  of  music — that  is,  with 
the  Trisagion  and  Gloria  in  Excelsis. "  As  says 
the  Bishop  of  Albany:  "With  the  marvellous  im- 
pressiveness  of  many  a  service  in  the  English  Cathe- 
drals ringing  in  my  ears — from  St.  Paul's  in  Lon- 
don, where  the  most  majestic  ofifering  of  worship 
on  this  earth  is  rendered  to  Almighty  God,  to  the 
Cathedral  of  some  small  English  town,  where  daily 
the  beautiful  harmony  of  choral  matins  and  even- 
song makes  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and 
evening  to  praise  God — with  these  ringing  in  my 
ears,  I  have  a  sense  of  reverent  pride,  when  I  re- 
member that  here  in  the  Holy  Cross,  in  its  day  of 
small  things,  the  Holy  Eucharist  was  offered  with 
its  full  musical  accessories,  when  there  was  not  a 
choral  Celebration  of  the  Holy  Communion  in  atiy 
English  Cathedral." 

The  leaven  began  to  work.  There  was  a  slow 
waking  up  throughout  the  American  Church,  a 
growing  perception  of  the  power  of  music  in  re- 
ligion; along  with  this,  people  began  to  talk  about 
the  Choral  Service.  The  fame  of  the  Holy 
Cross  "  had  already  gone  abroad. 

The  old  New  York  Ecclesiological  Society  took 
up  the  subject.    We  read  about  a  certain  evening, 


154 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


early  in  the  "  fifties,"  when  Mr.  Edward  M.  Pecke 
— then  a  layman — read  a  paper,  On  the  Choral 
Service  of  the  Church."  Thereafter  there  is  a  dis- 
cussion, but  it  is  all  on  one  side.  Doctors  Vinton 
and  Haight,  Mr.  Pecke,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hopkins 
are  the  participants.  The  principal  talk  is  about  the 
singing  of  the  Psalter — the  legal  and  rubrica]  right 
of  the  method. 

A  Church  Choral  Society  "  is  organized  in  New 
York  city,  in  order  that  the  members  may  have  the 
satisfaction  of  taking  part  in  offices  so  conducted, 
and  that  examples  of  the  use  may  be  given  to  the 
people.  Nathan  B.  Warren  is  elected  Vice-Presi- 
dent. John  I.  Tucker  is  an  officiant.  A  first  pub- 
lic service  is  held  at  Trinity  Church;  a  second  at 
the  Church  of  the  Annunciation.  Upon  the  lat- 
ter occasion  the  clergy  in  the  chancel  comprised 
Drs.  Berrian  and  Vinton,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Ma- 
han,  Weaver,  Tucker,  Hopkins,  and  others.  Mr. 
Tucker  intoned  the  opening  part  of  the  office, 
John  Henry  Hopkins  the  Creed  and  prayers. 

Dr.  Hodges,  first  organist  of  the  Society,  pre- 
sided at  the  instrument.  As  yet  nothing  more 
elaborate  is  attempted  than  double  chants  for  the 
Psalter  and  Canticles.  It  was  reported  in  the 
papers  that  the  service  was  decidedly  better  done 
than  the  first  at  Trinity";  also  that  ''the  Choral 
Service  with  its  chastened  fervor,  its  sweet  sim- 
plicity, dignity,  and  solemn  devotion,  is  winning  its 
way  more  and  more  deeply  into  the  hearts  of  the 
people." 

But  the  question  was  still  mooted  for  and  against 


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the  musical  style  of  service  at  the  Holy  Cross.  Dr. 
Warren  tells  us  that  he  asked  a  prominent  divine 
from  a  chief  city  what  he  thought  of  it.  The  wise 
divine  answered  that  the  Choral  Service  would 
never  go  "  in  America,  because  here  we  have 
no  aristocracy." 

Dr.  Croswell  came  on  from  Boston  to  hear  it. 
He  was  impressed  and  was  persuaded  of  its  "  suc- 
cess." He  went  back,  intending  to  introduce  it  in 
the  New  England  capital.  He  then  started  Dr. 
Cutler  along  the  same  line. 

Trinity  Church,  New  York,  sent  on  a  delegation 
to  Troy,  expressly  to  hear  this  service  and  study  its 
efifect.  They  went  back,  and  the  parish  authori- 
ties introduced  it  on  Saints'  days  only.  It  was 
soon  noticed  how  remarkably  the  attendance 
picked  up  on  those  Holydays  which  had  musical 
observance;  as  a  consequence  the  ofhcials  decided 
to  try  it  there  on  Sundays. 

In  the  city  of  New  York  the  ''\'oice  of  the  Ages" 
encountered  a  stronger  opposition  than  at  Troy. 
Jerome  Hopkins  in  a  recent  article,  speaking  about 
American  composers  of  opera,  wTites  as  follows: 
"  The  hostility  they  encountered  reminded  one  of 
dear  old  Dr.  Ed.  Hodges's  first  attempts  to  intro- 
duce that  *  awful  Popish  ritual '  now  known  as  '  the 
Choral  Service  '  in  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  now 
as  common  as  boy  choirs.  The  first  trial  thereof 
[in  New  York]  was  at  St.  John's  Chapel  of  Trinity 
Parish,  and  stones  were  thrown  at  the  windows  by 
outsiders,  while  insiders  giggled  and  snizzled  be- 
cause '  the  intoning  was  so  funny.'  " 


156 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


If  the  Holy  Cross  had  been  biiiU  and  worked  for 
nothing  else  than  the  establishment  and  perpetua- 
tion of  the  old  choral  use  as  a  prime  accessory  of 
divine  service,  it  would  yet  be  a  thing  worth  while. 

Sir  F.  A.  Gore  Ouseley  was  a  man  of  fortune,  a 
Priest  and  a  musician.  Whilst  he  was  engaged  in 
the  active  duties  of  his  professorship  of  music,  at 
Oxford  University,  he  was  with  a  liberal  hand 
pouring  out  his  private  means  for  the  founding  and 
building  of  a  new  college  and  Church.  He  had 
selected  a  lovely  and  picturesque  location;  there  he 
erected  a  Church  building  noted  for  its  surpassing 
beauty.  But  when  utilitarians  look  on  it,  they  ask, 
"  What  is  the  use  of  St.  Michael's  College?  "  The 
establishment  trains  young  men  in  music,  first  of  all 
in  order  that  they  may  sing  or  play  in  the  constant 
Choral  Services  of  St.  Michael's  Church.  The 
Church  was  built  for  that.  The  place  has  been 
styled  a  sort  of  cross  between  a  monastery  and  a 
music  school.  Its  use  will  be  comprehended  when 
we  read  the  words  of  a  reviewer:  We  do  sincerely 
sympathize  with  its  founder  in  his  desire  to  raise 
'  2l  thing  of  beauty  '  as  an  offering  to  God,  not  for 
the  admiration  of  men;  and  to  gather  within  its 
walls  efficient  musicians  to  carry  on  a  daily  full 
Choral  Service,  not  for  the  pleasure  of  a  large  con- 
gregation (the  Church  was  often  empty),  but  as 
offering  his  and  their  special  gifts  to  God's  glory." 
So  Sir  Gore  Ouseley  founded  and  equipped  a 
Church,  that  in  it  the  Choral  Service  might  be  of- 
fered regularly  and  at  its  best  estate. 

It  has  been  asserted,  as  proven  by  undoubted 


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157 


history,  that  no  great  reUgious  movement — quick- 
ening and  upHfting  human  Ufe — has  ever  taken 
place  apart  from  the  use  of  music  as  a  prominent 
agency.  Reformers  have  worked  that  way.  PoU- 
ticians  recognize  its  value  in  another  connection. 
Music  and  life  are  indissolubly  associated,  espe- 
cially in  religion.  Were  the  Holy  Cross  to  exist 
then — like  St.  Michael's  College — solely  to  teach 
and  emphasize  this  feature  of  service,  it  would  be 
well;  especially  in  view  of  the  further  fact  that  the 
method  of  art  employment,  to  which  she  has  de- 
voted all  these  years,  is  that  which  is  identified 
with  the  history  and  usage  of  the  Church  of  God 
from  the  first  beginning  on.  Whether  in  the  older 
or  newer  dispensation,  the  divine  society  has  ever 
been  a  "  singing  Church."  It  is  a  good  thing  when 
she  is  taught  to  sing  now. 

However,  let  it  be  remarked,  that  the  Church  of 
the  Holy  Cross  has  existed  for  more  and  higher 
ends  than  the  maintenance  even  of  the  Choral  Ser- 
vice, as  those  who  know  her  best  can  testify. 


IX 


CONSECRATION— THE    ORDERING  OF 
PRIESTS 

In  the  year  1848  the  fabric  of  the  "  Holy  Cross  " 
began  to  enlarge  its  borders.  To  the  nave  and 
tower,  built  four  years  previously,  a  square  chancel 
was  added.  In  the  new  planning,  different  levels 
were  arranged  for  choir  and  Sacrarium;  three  steps 
led  up  to  the  first,  and  other  three  to  the  second. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  work  the  consecration  of 
the  Church  had  been  deferred,  on  account  of  the 
complications  about  the  Episcopate  of  New  York. 
Now  the  services  of  Bishop  Whittingham  were 
secured,  and  the  consecration  was  fixed  for  St. 
Nicholas'  day,  the  6th  of  December,  1848.  The 
Warrens  always  had  a  partiality  for  good  old  St. 
Nicholas. 

Upon  the  Wednesday  morning  appointed,  the 
Bishop  and  clergy,  members  of  vestries  belonging 
to  neighboring  Churches  and  other  Churchmen — 
a  goodly  company — assembled  in  the  school  build- 
^  ing,  thence  marching  in  procession  to  the  Church. 

The  Instrument  of  Donation  was  presented  to  the 
Bishop  by  Stephen  E.  Warren  and  read  by  Mr. 
Tucker. 

The  sentence  of  consecration  was  recited  by 


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159 


Dr.  Benjamin  I.  Haight,  Professor  in  the  General 
Theological  Seminary. 

As  during  the  years  just  passed,  outside  interest 
was  manifested;  there  was  a  rallying  of  clergy 
deeply  concerned  in  the  w^ork.  The  participating 
officiants  were  many.  After  the  completion  of  the 
act  of  consecration,  Dr.  Van  Kleeck  of  St.  Paul's 
started  the  ^Morning  Prayer.  The  first  lesson  was 
read  by  the  Rev.  Samuel  1.  Southard,  Rector  of 
Calvary  Church,  New  York;  the  second  by  the  Rev. 
Richard  Cox,  Rector  of  Zion  Church  in  the  same 
city. 

Mr.  Tucker  commenced  the  intoning  of  the  ser- 
vice at  the  Versicles  after  the  Lord's  Prayer,  "  ac- 
cording to  the  use  of  Westminster  Abbey,"  as  a 
journalist  of  the  day  expresses  it.  The  Proper 
Psalms  were  chanted  antiphonally.  The  Litany 
was  sung  by  two  Cantors,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Tucker 
and  Shackelford,  the  responses  being  given  by 
choir  and  organ. 

In  the  Eucharistic  office  the  Rev.  Reuben  Hub- 
bard, Rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  Schuylerville,  was 
the  Epistler.  The  Bishop  was  Celebrant  and  Gos- 
peller, also  the  Preacher  of  the  day. 

After  the  Benediction  the  Bishop  came  down  to 
the  choir  steps,  and  there  made  an  informal  address 
congratulating  the  congregation  upon  the  comple- 
tion of  the  work  and  upon  the  fact  of  dedication. 
The  speaker  reviewed  the  past  history  of  the  enter- 
prise from  the  day  when  Mrs.  Phebe  Warren  gath- 
ered a  band  of  children  about  her  to  receive  instruc- 
tion from  her  mouth.    The  Bishop  referred  to  the 


i6o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


different  steps  of  development,  emphasizing  the 
value  of  the  training  received  by  these  pupils  in 
vocal  music.  He  showed  how  the  design  expanded 
into  an  edifice  erected  to  the  glory  of  God,  in  which 
the  sweet  and  well-trained  voices  of  these  little 
ones  "  were  to  take  an  important  part. 

The  result  was  before  the  congregation:  an  edi- 
fice of  singular  beauty  and  much  cost,  free  for  all 
who  choose  to  enter  within  its  hallowed  doors, 
erected  and  endowed  by  an  individual  member  of 
the  fold  of  Christ,  with  a  large  school  of  children 
in  constant  preparation  for  the  duties  of  this  life 
and  the  blessings  of  heaven  in  regular  attendance 
on  the  daily  services  of  the  Church,  and  adding  to 
the  beauty  and  it  may  be  efficacy  of  devotion,  by 
the  skilful  harmony  with  which  they  share  the 
choral  parts. 

A  newspaper  report  published  at  the  time  speaks 
of  the  great  additional  interest  and  solemnity  " 
which  were  imparted  to  the  service  by  the  very 
admirable  and  appropriate  selection  of  music,  and 
by  the  accurate  and  spirited  manner  in  which  it 
was  performed."  From  the  Order  of  Service  we 
discover  that  one  chant.  Lord  Mornington  in  E, 
was  sung  to  the  Venite  and  the  Proper  Psalrrrs.  The 
setting  of  the  Te  Deum  and  Jubilate  was  that  by 
Mendelssohn  in  A.  The  anthem  after  sermon  was 
by  Naumann;  the  words  from  the  122nd  Psalm. 

The  Kyrie,  Trisagion,  and  Gloria  in  Excelsis 
were  by  Dr.  Hodges;  the  first  of  these  was  WTitten 
expressly  for  the  occasion. 

The  printed  account  refers  to  a  picture  in  oil 


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l6l 


which  almost  covered  the  east  end  "  of  the  Sanc- 
tuary. The  canvas  had  been  painted  by  the  artist 
Weir  of  West  Point,  and  presented  by  him  to  the 
"  Holy  Cross."  The  scene  was  in  keeping  with 
the  title  of  the  Church.  It  represented  the  Cross,  on 
the  evening  of  the  Crucifixion,  at  the  moment  when 
pious  hands,  dimly  discerned  in  the  fading  light, 
are  bearing  the  sacred  body  to  its  tomb  in  the  gar- 
den. One  who  used  to  see  the  picture  writes:  The 
whole  air  of  the  piece  is  of  the  deepest  solemnity 
and  pathos." 

On  the  day  following — the  7th  of  December — a 
service  of  equal  importance  was  held  in  the  newly 
consecrated  Church.  Then  the  Bishop  of  Mary- 
land admitted  to  the  Priesthood  the  Rev.  John 
Ireland  Tucker  and  the  Rev.  John  W.  Shackelford, 
Missionary  at  Cohoes. 

The  candidates  were  presented  by  the  faithful 
friend,  the  Rev.  R.  B.  Fairbairn.  The  Rev.  Samuel 
Buel,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Poughkeepsie,  be- 
gan the  Morning  Service."  The  Rev.  Joshua 
Weaver  of  West  Troy  read  the  first  lesson,  the 
Rev.  A.  T.  Twing  of  Lansingburgh  the  second. 
The  prayers  were  intoned  by  Geo.  Jarvis  Geer,  a 
Seminary  mate  of  the  minister  of  St.  Cross. 

Again  the  Bishop  preached  an  appropriate  ser- 
mon. The  selection  of  music  was  the  same  as  that 
sung  on  the  day  before,  except  that  a  chant-tune 
by  Aldrich  was  substituted  for  that  by  Lord 
Momington. 

Other  clergy  not  officiating  were  present  at  the 
one  or  other  of  these  two  important  services;  among 
II 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


them  the  Rev.  Wm.  Payne,  Rector  of  St.  George's 
Church,  Schenectady. 

Now  the  work  of  school  and  Church  goes  on  with 
added  completeness:  a  Priest  is  at  the  head.  The 
Pastor  had  never  been  found  wanting  even  through 
the  years  of  his  diaconate;  the  teacher  had  labored 
uninterruptedly.  Moreover,  the  young  Rector  was 
making  friends,  firm  and  fast,  whose  friendship 
has  never  changed,  and  never  will  change  in  all 
the  years  to  come. 

One  of  his  earliest  companions  was  Robert  B. 
Fairbairn,  whose  name  appears  so  often  in  the 
Journal  of  Services.  For  a  time  the  two  dwelt 
together  in  the  same  house.  During  that  period 
Mr.  Fairbairn  took  sick;  Mr.  Tucker  went  off  and 
got  a  nurse  and  paid  for  it  himself.  This  was  at  a 
boarding-house  kept  by  a  Mrs.  Roberts. 

Another  first  friend  was  Henry  C.  Lockwood. 
After  the  period  of  "  boarding,"  the  Rector  had 
hired  a  house  on  Fourth  Street;  there  he  took  up 
his  residence,  and  he  begged  his  friend  to  come  live 
with  him.  For  a  while  the  two  kept  house  to- 
gether, until  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Lockwood. 


X 


THE  SECOND  JOURNAL 

For  our  worker  in  Troy  vacations  were  rare. 
For  a  few  years  the  minister  of  the  Holy  Cross  was 
absent  during  two  or  three  weeks  in  the  summer. 
Before  long  he  gave  this  up,  and  remained  all 
through.  In  later  life  he  was  appealed  to  by  all 
denominations  as  the  one  "  summer  parson,"  as 
the  cleric  who  was  always  at  home.  At  that  time 
the  extent  of  his  rustication  would  be  measured  by 
the  few  days  which  he  would  spend  with  Dr.  Fer- 
guson at  the  latter's  place  out  of  town. 

Once  again,  however,  he  made  a  trip  to  Europe. 
This  time  the  tour  was  undertaken  for  the  sake  of 
his  sister,  whose  lack  of  health  called  for  the  rest 
and  change  of  travel. 

As  before,  the  traveller  kept  a  Journal.  A  por- 
tion of  this  has  been  found  among  his  papers. 

Part  of  the  entries,  made  in  his  own  hand,  are 
here  transcribed.  They  show  the  man;  they  grant 
an  insight  into  his  methods  of  thinking  and  doing. 

Oct.  8th,  1850.  We  left  New  York  in  the  Packet  Ship 
GalHa,  Captain  Addison  Richardson,  for  Havre.  We  had 
a  bright  day  to  commence  our  voyage,  and  were  all  as 
cheerful  and  happy  as  we  could  be  under  the  circum- 
stances. 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Many  of  the  sailors,  as  is  usually  the  case,  were  under 
the  influence  of  liquor,  and  of  those  who  were  not  too 
drunk  three  or  four  were  disposed  to  be  very  fractious 
and  quarrelsome.  The  consequence  was  that  shortly  after 
the  pilot  left  us,  there  was  a  scuffle  between  the  mate  and 
one  of  the  crew;  others  came  to  the  rescue  of  their  mess- 
mate. The  mate,  Mr.  Crocker,  was  too  much  for  them, 
and  he  succeeded  in  putting  one  of  them  in  irons,  and  in 
setting  the  rest  to  work. 

I  am  now  writing  at  Nice,  from  notes  taken  on  board 
the  vessel.  Things  do  not  now  seem  as  important  as  they 
did  when  they  actually  occurred.  I  shall  therefore  not 
be  very  particular  in  recording  what  took  place  during 
the  22  days  we  were  at  sea.  We  were  fortunate  enough 
to  see  whales  more  than  once.  Besides  we  were  favored 
with  a  fine  view  of  dolphins,  and  were  delighted  with  the 
beautiful  sight  of  porpoises  playing  around  the  ship  at 
night  when  the  sea  was  highly  phosphorescent.  The  fish 
through  the  waves  looked  like  fiery  serpents.  They  seemed 
to  leave  a  track  of  fire  behind  them. 

On  Sunday,  13th,  I  read  service  and  preached,  as  I  did 
on  the  20th.  On  the  20th  I  read  Divine  Service  only, 
in  consequence  of  a  gale  blowing,  and  much  motion. 
On  the  15th  at  about  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  came  up 
to  a  wreck.  It  turned  out  to  be  a  deserted  vessel,  but 
from  her  appearance  the  Captain  judged  that  it  could  not 
have  been  long  since  she  had  been  wrecked. 

Many  of  the  passengers  were  most  indefatigable  in 
their  efforts  to  acquire  some  knowledge,  or  more  perfect 
acquaintance,  of  the  French  language  before  arriving  at 
Havre.  Among  the  amusements  on  board  the  Gallia 
were  shuffle-board  on  the  deck,  working  out  puzzles,  and 
occasionally  a  divertissement  in  the  cabin,  such  as  mes- 
merizing by  Mr.  Lefourcade,  a  story  or  imitations  and 
songs  by  others  of  the  company,  and,  the  night  before 
landing,  the  reading  of  a  Journal.  As  one  of  the  con- 
tributions to  the  Journal,  I  must  particularly  mention 
"  Lines  Addressed  to  the  Captain  "  by  Mr.  Storrow. 


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165 


October  30th.  About  12  o'clock  a  sailor  aloft  cried 
"  land  ahead,'*  and  the  mate  acting  under  the  Captain's 
orders  told  him  to  keep  quiet.  After  dinner,  with  the 
naked  eye,  we  could  see  the  land.  About  seven  o'clock 
we  were  off  Havre,  and  lay  by — unable  at  that  hour  to 
enter  the  docks — until  five  o'clock  next  morning. 

31st.  ^Ir.  Punnett  and  also  ^Ir.  Whitlock  came  on 
board,  and  kindly  offered  to  do  what  they  could  in  assist- 
ing us  at  the  Custom  House,  etc. 

Havre,  to  a  person  who  has  never  seen  a  French  town, 
offers  many  sights  in  the  streets  to  amuse.  In  general 
there  are  no  sidewalks.  Where  there  are,  the  pedestrians 
seem  to  prefer  the  middle  of  the  street.  The  majority 
of  the  women  are  without  bonnets,  and  the  ladies  take 
precious  good  care  to  keep  their  frocks  from  dangling  in 
the  mud,  and  to  show  their  petticoats. 

November  ist.  Left  by  railroad  for  Rouen.  Excel- 
lent arrangements  and  accommodations.  There  was  a 
lamp  burning  in  the  centre  of  the  roof  of  the  car,  the  use 
of  which  we  did  not  discover  until  we  entered  a  "  gallery." 
We  were  all  particularly  struck  with  the  appearance  of  the 
old  Churches.  They  are  plain,  almost  destitute  of  orna- 
ment, except  in  some  cases  there  is  a  spire  with  some  pre- 
tensions to  a  display  of  architectural  skill.  In  all  cases 
the  spires  are  surmounted  with  a  cock. 

Arrived  at  Rouen  at  one  o'clock.  After  luncheon, 
went  to  the  Cathedral.  It  being  All-Saints'  day,  we  found 
the  Cathedral  crowded,  and  an  immense  congregation 
attending  the  Vesper  service.  The  Archbishop  of  Rouen 
was  present.  We  passed  through  and  around  the  building 
just  glancing  at  its  beauties,  and  obtaining  but  a  vague 
idea  of  the  skill  and  zeal  necessary  to  rear  such  a  grand 
and  magnificent  edifice.  On  visiting  these  sacred  places, 
these  palaces  on  earth  of  the  great  King,  I  have  a  more 
lofty,  a  larger  idea  of  God.  ^My  feelings  to  God  are 
stretched  out.  On  this  very  occasion,  I  should  have  been 
much  more  gratified,  my  wants  have  been  more  really  met, 
could  I  have  fallen  on  my  knees  and  prayed  with  the  mul- 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


titude,  than  in  following  a  valet  de  place  in  company  with 
a  half  dozen  inquisitive  persons,  in  search  of  something  to 
satiate  an  excited  spirit  of  curiosity.  I  was  as  curious 
perhaps  as  they;  I  had  perhaps  other  feelings  which  they 
were  not  conscious  of,  at  least  to  that  degree,  that  they 
could,  as  I  did,  receive  as  much  pleasure  from  seeing  so 
many  persons  at  their  devotions,  as  in  examining  the 
curious  stone  tracery,  the  beautiful  rose  windows,  and  in 
noting  the  peculiarities  of  the  costume  of  the  motley 
assemblage.  And  perhaps  if  my  own  feelings  were  more 
closely  analyzed  it  would  appear  that  my  fondness  for 
Church  music  is  greater  than  for  Church  architecture; 
that  may  be  the  reason  why  I  take  chief  pleasure  in 
visiting  the  Cathedrals  when  they  are  wreathed  with 
incense  and  ringing  with  the  notes  of  praise. 

The  Cathedral  of  Notre  Dame  is  sometimes  severely 
criticized  for  its  elaborate  and  profuse  decorations.  It  is 
probable  that  the  richness  and  multiplicity  of  the  vast 
Cathedrals  of  the  thirteenth  century  is  but  a  type  of  the 
efflorescence  of  the  ritual  and  ceremonial  magnificence  of 
the  Church  at  this  period.  The  variety  and  profusion 
of  the  ornaments  with  which  the  ecclesiastical  buildings 
of  this  century  are  embellished  may  also  be  an  indica- 
tion of  the  diffusion  and  earnestness  of  the  religious  feel- 
ing that  then  prevailed.  We  can  scarcely  conceive  of  the 
possibility  at  the  present  day  of  erecting  such  vast  and 
magnificent  edifices  for  the  worship  of  Almighty  God. 
Our  secular  tastes  do  not  tend  to  such  lavish  expenditure 
on  buildings  reared  for  religious  purposes,  where  regard 
is  to  be  had  to  God's  honor  and  glory  and  not  merely 
to  human  pride  and  individual  vanity.  That  these  Cathe- 
drals do  indicate  a  spirituality  as  generally  prevalent  at 
the  period  in  which  they  were  built,  we  may  learn  from 
historical  testimony.  In  a  letter  written  by  the  Abbe  of 
Saint  Pierre  sur  Dives,  to  the  Religious  of  the  Abbey  of 
Tutberry,  in  England,  we  read:  "It  is  an  unheard  of 
prodigy  to  see  powerful  men,  men  proud  of  their  birth 
and  wealth,  accustomed  to  a  soft  and  luxurious  life, 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


167 


attaching  themselves  b}-  ropes  to  carts  and  haling  stone, 
lime  and  other  materials  for  the  sacred  edifice.  Some- 
times a  thousand  persons,  men  and  women  harnessed  to 
the  same  cart  (so  heavy  is  the  load)  and  still  so  great 
the  silence  that  not  a  murmur  is  to  be  heard." 

We  passed  some  minutes  in  examining  curious  figures 
car\-ed  on  the  South  Portal.  These  are  called  "  Marmo- 
zets."  They  were  in  many  instances  figures  of  animals 
mimicking  the  acts  of  men.  Pigs  and  apes  were  in  the 
greatest  number.  What  i-s  the  symbolical  meaning  of  this 
strange  kind  of  ornament  on  the  portal  of  a  sacred  build- 
ing it  is  not  easy  to  conjecture,  except  it  portrays  the 
animal  propensities  of  m.an's  fleshy  nature.  I  suppose  this 
to  be  a  rational  explanation.  .  .  .  Immediately  over 
the  south  door  is  a  large  representation  in  stone  of  the 
Last  Judgment;  in  this,  devils  are  seen  plunging  the 
damned  into  a  huge  kettle.  As  in  many,  if  not  the  ma- 
jority of  instances  the  architects  were  of  the  sacred  order, 
they  endeavored  to  impress  the  people  as  they  entered 
the  House  of  God  with  an  awful  idea  of  the  Judgment  of 
the  Almighty  which  awaits  the  impenitent;  thus  endeavor- 
ing to  hallow  their  thoughts  and  stir  up  their  hearts 
to  repentance,  and  induce  them  with  feelings  of  greater 
earnestness  to  confess  their  sins,  and  to  engage  with 
greater  intenseness  of  devotion  in  the  sacred  ser^'ices. 

We  next  visited  the  Church  of  St.  Ouen,  which  is  even 
larger  than  the  Cathedral,  and  is  generally  considered 
more  beautiful  and  chaste  in  its  ornaments.  "  It  is  be- 
3-ond  doubt  one  of  the  most  perfect  Gothic  edifices  in  the 
world."  One  of  its  most  striking  features  is  the  largeness 
of  its  rlere-stor\-.  which  increases  the  efTect  of  lightness. 
The  "  windows  seem  to  have  absorbed  the  solid  wall." 

We  were  conducted  to  the  Place  de  la  Pucelle,  where 
a  statue  without  any  inscription  marks  the  spot  where 
Jeanne  d'Arc  was  burned  alive  as  a  sorcerer  in  1431. 

On  all  the  public  buildings,  churches  as  well  as  on  edi- 
fices designated  as  national  property,  Liberie,  Fraternite 
et  Egaiiti  are  painted  in  most  conspicuous  letters,  so  that 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


one  is  almost  tempted  to  believe  that  all  the  Liberty, 
Fraternity  and  Equality  in  France,  is  just  so  much  as 
one  sees  on  the  walls.  And  the  thought  has  often  passed 
through  my  mind — What  a  pity  the  French  politicians 
would  not  scribble  on  their  walls  in  chalk !  It  could  be 
easily  rubbed  off  at  each  ebullition  of  the  national  feeling, 
names,  party  words  etc.  be  exchanged  for  new  ones  with- 
out injuring  the  appearance  of  their  public  buildings. 
Over  each  of  the  three  front  doors  of  St.  Roch,  Paris 
(probably  the  same  is  the  case  of  every  other  Church  in 
France)  are  the  three  cant  words,  Liberte,  etc. 

In  our  rambling  through  the  streets  of  Rouen,  we 
saw  many  old  Norman  buildings.  A  row  of  houses  was 
pointed  out  to  us,  remarkably  curious  from  their  antiquity. 
Many  of  the  women  we  met  in  the  streets,  in  their  curious 
headgear  and  otherwise  quaint  costume,  seemed  to  belong 
to  the  houses,  and  to  be  the  lineal  descendants  of  the  il- 
lustrious individuals  who  reared  and  once  occupied  them. 
These  houses  being  unprovided  with  yards,  large  tin  gut- 
ters run  from  each  story  on  the  outside  to  carry  off  nui- 
sances, dirty  water,  etc.,  which  in  more  cleanly  places  pass 
off  in  other  directions.  Perhaps  the  necessity  of  looking 
out  for  heads,  in  passing  by  these  houses,  compelled  the 
Norman  French  to  take  to  the  street;  and  the  custom, 
even  when  there  may  not  be  the  same  necessity  for  its 
observance,  has  been  perpetuated  to  the  present  day. 

Opposite  to  Notre  Dame  is  a  flower  market  where 
beautiful  bouquets  may  be  procured  for  a  few  sous.  As 
the  next  day  was  All  Souls',  the  flower  women  were  ex- 
posing for  sale  chaplets  of  eternelles,  to  be  laid  on  the 
tombs  of  friends.  The  yellow  and  black  flowers  were  so 
arranged  that  they  formed  inscriptions,  touchingly  affect- 
ing, such  as  "  a  ma  chere  mere,"  "  a  amitie,"  etc.  From 
the  number  of  these  chaplets,  I  infer  that  they  must  be  in 
great  demand,  and  conclude  t'lat  in  the  French  character, 
in  spite  of  the  apparent  gaiety  which  distinguishes  it,  there 
is  underneath  a  current  of  pure  affection  and  love. 

In  the  evening  we  visited  the  fair.    We  found  on  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


169 


Boulevards  a  crowd  of  persons,  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren and  on  either  side  of  the  broad  street,  booths,  tables 
and  stalls  where  articles  of  every  description  were  for 
sale.  Beside  these,  were  shanties  where  there  were  won- 
derful shows — exhibition  of  jugglery,  slack  rope  dancing, 
feats  of  strength  and  agility,  etc.  On  platforms  in  front 
of  these  shanties  or  tents  were  men  and  women  in  curious 
costumes  beating  drums  and  blowing  trumpets,  to  "  at- 
tirer  le  monde,"  as  our  young  friend  Adolphus,  the  son 
of  our  landlady,  said.  We  were  induced  to  enter  some  of 
the  saloons  of  diver tisse7nent,  and  went  first  to  see  a  talk- 
ing fish,  which  turned  out  to  be  a  seal.  It  actually  did 
say  "  pa  "  and  "  ma,"  but  we  were  not  as  much  surprised 
by  its  powers  of  conversation  as  by  the  wonderful  intel- 
ligence and  docility  it  displayed  in  promptly  obeying  the 
commands  of  its  master.  We  went  next  into  a  place 
where  the  young  of  either  sex,  by  looking  into  a  miracu- 
lous mirror,  could  see  their  future  husband  or  wife.  I 
can  only  say  for  myself  that  if  I  thought  there  was  no 
chance  of  getting  into  matrimony  without  giving  my 
hand  and  heart  to  the  female  individual  whose  charms 
were  displayed  to  me  in  the  magic  mirror,  I  would  be 
willing  on  the  spot  to  make  a  vow  of  celibacy. 

Xext  the  travellers  were  astonished  by  the  per- 
formance of  a  mesmerized  girl.  After  that,  the 
most  beautiful  exhibition  which  we  witnessed  was 
a  diorama  of  the  accident  that  befell  a  regiment 
of  French  troops  in  crossing  a  suspension  bridge." 
Still  later,  a  menagerie  in  which  "  the  man  who 
showed  of?  the  rhinoceros  was  decidedly  the  lion  of 
the  evening."  Concluding: 

With  the  exception  of  the  menagerie,  each  entertain- 
ment did  not  cost  over  one  or  two  sous:  so  that  we  had 
this  at  least  to  console  us.  that  we  got  the  worth  of  our 


I70 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


money.  In  answer  to  certain  questions  which  we  pro- 
posed as  we  went  along,  we  were  informed  that  not  much 
was  sold.  There  were  plenty  of  lookers  on,  but  few  pur- 
chasers. One  poor  old  woman  who  was  selling  roasted 
chestnuts,  said  that  "  the  commerce "  went  badly,  that 
nearly  all  the  merchants  were  complaining,  that  it  was 
enough  to  make  one  almost  weep,  so  little  was  doing  in 
the  way  of  trade. 

Pleasantly  domiciled  at  the  Hotel  d'Albion. 

November  3rd.  At  ten  o'clock  went  to  the  Cathedral, 
where  I  stayed  until  it  was  time  to  start  for  the  Protestant 
place  of  worship.  Accompanied  by  my  friend  Mr.  Degen, 
went  to  St.  Eloi — in  the  interior,  a  shabby  looking  build- 
ing. A  man,  from  a  reading  desk,  read  prayers  from  a 
book,  and  after  the  singing  of  a  Psalm,  the  minister  in  a 
black  gown  and  bands,  from  the  pulpit  just  over  the  desk, 
read — as  we  thought — a  sermon  printed  in  pamphlet  form. 
The  congregation  were  not  very  punctual  in  their  attend- 
ance, and  we  observed  that  as  each  took  his  place  or  seat, 
he  engaged  on  his  knees  in  silent  prayer.  The  Liturgy, 
or  form  of  prayer,  except  that  there  were  no  responses, 
reminded  us  of  our  own.  The  Commandments  were  read 
after  the  singing  of  the  Psalm  and  before  the  sermon. 
Each  Psalm  book  had  the  music  proper  for  the  Psalm, 
and  the  music  from  its  unsecular  character,  and  from  the 
fact  of  its  being  familiar  to  the  congregation — they  all 
taking  part  in  it — had  a  charm  about  it,  though  in  a  scien- 
tific point  of  view  anything  but  pleasing.  The  sermon, 
so  far  as  I  could  follow  it,  seemed  to  be  an  apology  for 
Christianity,  setting  forth  its  adaptiveness  to  man's  moral 
nature. 

From  the  circumstance  of  having  just  come  from  the 
Cathedral,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  contrasting  Roman 
Catholic  with  Protestant.  One  seemed  to  be  an  imagina- 
tive, the  other  a  rational  religion;  one  addressing  the  feel- 
ings, the  other  the  intellect.  The  heart,  soul,  mind  and 
body  ought  to  be  united  in  Christian  worship,  and  any 
form  of  worship  therefore  is  so  far  defective  as  it  exclu- 


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sively  affects  the  heart,  soul,  mind  or  body.  I  must  allow, 
however,  that,  although  not  familiar  with  the  service  of 
the  Mass,  the  idea  of  Christ's  atonement,  the  great  fact 
of  Christ's  sacrifice,  was  more  vividly  impressed  on  my 
mind  by  the  pomp  and  magnificence  of  the  Roman  ritual 
at  Notre  Dame,  than  by  the  meagre,  shabby,  spiritual 
exercises  at  St.  Eloi.  There  was  more  to  bring  my  whole 
being  into  communion  with  my  Saviour  at  the  Cathedral, 
than  at  the  Protestant  place  of  worship.  If  asked  in  which 
assembly  Christ  crucified  seemed  most  clearly  set  forth,  I 
should  unhesitatingly  answer — Among  the  2000  or  more 
persons  engaged  in  worship  at  the  Cathedral. 

In  the  afternoon,  I  went  again  to  the  Cathedral,  and  I 
found  two  Catechists,  in  front  of  the  choir,  catechising 
about  200  boys,  from  5  to  10  years  of  age.  The  boys 
were  questioned  on  the  Incarnation.  The  answers  were 
given  promptly  and  correctly.  In  other  parts  of  the 
Cathedral,  other  children  were  at  the  same  time  receiv- 
ing similar  instruction.  Probably  no  less  than  a  thousand 
3^oung  persons  were  thus  employed  in  learning  the  doc- 
trines of  Christianity  as  held  by  the  Church  of  Rome. 
And  from  what  I  have  since  witnessed  at  Dijon,  I  am  in- 
clined to  believe  that  great  efforts  are  now  making  in 
France  by  the  R.  C.  clergj%  to  imbue  the  young  minds  of 
the  present  generation  with  the  doctrines  and  principles 
of  their  faith  and  practice. 

The  music  at  the  Vespers  pleased  me  much.  A  greater 
part  of  it  was  in  UJiisojt.  The  antiphonal  chanting  was 
very  spirited,  the  effect  being  heightened  by  the  full,  rich 
toned  voices  of  the  100  priests,  who  in  two  choirs  were 
engaged  in  singing  the  Psalms.  As  an  instrumental  ac- 
companiment, the  voices  were  occasionally  assisted  by  the 
organ,  trombones  and  violoncellos.  But,  except  at  the 
beginning  of  each  Psalm,  and  if  I  remember  correctly  at 
the  Gloria  Pairi,  in  the  chanting  nothing  was  heard  but 
the  human  voice.  The  chanting  was  very  rapid,  but  not 
so  rapid  that  I  could  not  follow  them  in  the  book.  The 
assistants  and  the  congregation  were  seated  during  the 


172 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


chanting  of  the  Psalms,  and  did  not  always  rise  at  the 
Gloria  Patri.  All  who  were  present  appeared  to  be  en- 
gaged with  much  devotion  in  this  Vesper  service.  There 
seemed  to  be  but  few  listeners;  the  crowd  were  worship- 
pers, if  external  acts  are  any  indication  of  the  soul's  inten- 
tions and  operations.  I  think  I  have  never  attended  a 
sacred  service  where  the  music  so  fully  realized  my  idea 
as  to  the  province  and  uses  of  this  art  in  connection  with 
the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church. 

In  the  evening,  in  company  with  Messrs.  Degen  and 
Eckford,  started  out  for  the  Cathedral.  It  was,  however, 
closed,  and  we  continued  our  walk  up  to  the  Boulevards, 
and  found  ourselves  on  the  fair  ground  where  there  was 
even  greater  noise  and  fun  than  on  the  preceding  evening. 
It  seemed  strange  to  us,  this  folly  and  gaiety  on  Sunday 
evening,  and  excited  some  conversation  between  Mr.  D. 
and  myself.  We  agreed  that  our  mode  of  observing  the 
day  hallowed  to  God's  service,  seemed  most  in  conform- 
ity with  the  positive  institutions  of  Christianity.  How- 
ever, it  must  be  admitted  that  the  nature  of  the  people 
must  always  be  taken  into  consideration  when  examining 
this  and  kindred  questions.  I  mean  that  even  when  the 
same  amount  of  religious  faith  and  holiness  prevailed 
both  in  France  and  America,  national  habits,  from  national 
prejudices  and  temperament,  would  be  diflferent.  We  can- 
not infer  that  we  are  decidedly  a  more  religious  people 
than  the  French,  because  we  never  desecrate  the  Lord's 
day  by  raree  shows  and  vulgar  amusements,  because  with- 
out respect  to  any  religious  principle  we  would  never 
seek  pleasure  in  any  such  kinds  of  diversion.  We  must 
also  remember  that  of  the  multitudes  whom  we  met  in 
the  streets,  the  large  majority  of  them,  perhaps,  had  been 
in  the  Churches  once  or  twice  in  the  course  of  the  day; 
and  in  connection  with  this,  we  must  consider  how  many 
individuals  among  us  who  although  they  may  never  take 
part  in  any  street  or  public  amusements  on  Sunday,  still 
never  in  any  one  respect,  hallow  the  day,  even  so  much 
as  to  go  to  Church  or  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible.  With- 


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173 


out  wishing  to  apologize  for  the  frivolous  diversions  of 
the  Continental  R.  Catholics  on  the  Lord's  day,  it  is  but 
fair  to  them  to  suggest  the  probability,  that  taking  the 
whole  week  into  the  question  there  is  much  more  Church 
going  and  praying  than  prevails  even  amongst  our  most 
rigid  and  devout  countrymen,  even  when  we  admit  they 
attend  Church  three,  times  on  the  Sabbath  and  a  prayer 
meeting  twice  a  week. 

We  had  to  walk  about  two  miles  through  the  fair  to 
get  to  our  hotel;  and  although  I  never  saw  a  more  or- 
derly, well  behaved  crowd,  and  notwithstanding  what  I 
have  written  now,  and  then  felt,  I  must  confess  that  my 
religious  feelings  were  shocked,  and  that  I  felt  mortified 
in  having,  even  though  unintentionally,  witnessed  what  I 
did  on  Sunday  evening.  Still  I  have  this  to  console  me, 
when  my  conscience  disturbs  me  with  the  thought  of  my 
Sunday  evening's  sauntering  at  Rouen,  that  I  have  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  how  the  French  people  keep  the 
closing  hours  of  that  holy  day. 

November  2nd.  I  find  that  I  have  skipped  over  Satur- 
day. .  .  .  Went  to  the  Cathedral,  and  had  a  better  op- 
portunity of  examining  its  objects  of  historical  interest. 
.  .  .  Our  laqiiais  de  place  pointed  out  a  tomb  and  effigy 
in  the  wall,  and  said  that  a  Bishop  who  murdered  his 
servant  in  a  passion,  was  buried  there.  He  confessed  and 
died  penitent,  but  on  his  deathbed  he  requested  that  he 
might  not  be  buried  in  a  sacred  place,  so  they  placed  his 
body  in  the  wall. 

We  were  persuaded  to  mount  one  of  the  towers,  in 
order  to  take  a  view  of  the  surrounding  country.  But 
the  ascent  was  not  quite  so  easy  as  we  imagined ;  the 
staircase  gradually  diminished  in  its  width,  until  fears 
were  entertained  by  the  stoutest  man  of  the  company  that 
possibly  he  might  be  wedging  himself  between  two  walls, 
from  which  he  would  not  be  able  to  extricate  himself 
without  the  assistance  of  others.  But  such  fears  were 
unfounded,  as  we  had  reached  the  stairway's  minimum, 
and  in  safety  ,  we  got  as  high  as  the  central  spire,  which 


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DOCTOR  TUCKER 


is  of  iron,  with  as  much  architectural  beauty  as  a  cork- 
screw or  ramrod.  The  view  was  beautiful.  It  was  strange 
to  see  how  crowded  the  city  was,  how  closely  packed  to- 
p-ether the  houses,  and  how  neighborly  the  inhabitants  of 
Rouen  seemed  to  live. 

One  of  the  towers  is  called  Tour  de  Beurre,  because  it 
was  built,  between  1485  and  1507,  with  the  money  paid 
for  indulgences  for  eating  butter  in  Lent. 

November  4th.  Went  to  the  Church  of  St.  Gervais, 
which  is  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  The  Church  itself 
is  considered  one  of  the  oldest  in  France,  but  it  is  chiefly 
interesting  from  its  crypt  which  you  enter  through  a  trap 
door  in  the  body  of  the  Church.  Here  you  find  a  Church 
about  50  by  15  feet,  which  from  historical  evidence  and 
from  the  construction  of  the  building  itself — the  presence 
of  Roman  tiles  between  the  layers  of  masonry — is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  constructed  in  the  fourth  century. 
It  is  apsidal.  At  the  end  of  the  apse  is  a  stone  altar, 
on  pedestals;  it  is  not  solid,  and  is  marked  with  five 
crosses.  The  altar  is  on  a  raised  floor.  Stone  seats  at- 
tached to  the  wall  are  on  either  side  of  the  nave;  and  there 
are  two  low-arched  recesses  in  the  wall,  which  are  said  to 
be  the  graves  of  two  former  Archbishops  of  Rouen. 

The  arrangements  of  this  primitive  Church  reminded  me 
of  the  Holy  Cross.  It  has  been  conjectured  that  there  is 
a  subterranean  passage  of  considerable  extent  communi- 
cating with  this  crypt,  and  they  had  commenced  exploring 
it  a  few  years  since,  when  the  search  was  discontinued 
by  reason  of  the  Revolution. 

I  cannot  in  journalizing  about  Rouen  omit  speaking  of 
the  strong,  powerful  horses  that  are  seen  in  this  part  of 
France.  They  are  able  to  draw  16  or  18  bags  of  cotton. 
It  has  been  a  matter  of  surprise  to  some  of  us,  that  some 
clever  Yankee  has  not  attempted  a  speculation  by  taking 
a  few  of  them  to  America.  We  have  been  informed, 
however,  since  leaving  Paris,  that  the  French  government 
does  not  allow  their  exportation. 

In  the  Church  of  St.  Ouen,  I  read  a  notice  in  English, 


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175 


as  if  chiefly  or  exclusively  intended  for  English  and 
American  travellers,  requesting  all  who  should  come  to 
visit  this  Church  to  remember  that  it  was  the  House  of 
God,  and  to  conduct  themselves  accordingly,  abstaining 
from  loud  talking,  etc.  At  St.  Ouen,  and  in  fact  in  all 
the  Churches,  attached  to  the  pillars  are  charity  boxes, 
labelled  "  pour  les  pauvres,"  "  pour  les  malades,"  "  pour 
les  prisonniers."  Wherever  you  turn,  you  meet  with 
silent  and  speaking  appeals  upon  your  charity. 

This  is  the  second  time  I  have  visited  Rouen,  and  I 
leave  it  now  with  regret. 

At  half  past  one  left  for  Paris,  where  we  arrived  about 
half  past  five.  A  few  trunks — none  belonging  to  our 
family — were  opened,  and  we  hurried  off  to  the  Hotel  de 
Lille  et  d'Albion,  which  had  been  strongly  recommended 
to  us  by  our  landlady  at  Rouen.  We  secured  for  our 
party,  consisting  of  eight  persons,  magnificent  apartments 
for  50  francs  a  day. 

November  5th.  It  being  our  intention  to  leave  Paris 
as  soon  as  possible,  we  devoted  ourselves  to  making  the 
necessary  arrangements  for  our  journey  to  Italy,  and 
therefore  found  little  time  for  sight-seeing. 

Nevertheless,  the  travellers  find  opportunity  to 
inspect  the  Gobelins  Tapestry  Works,  the  Jardin 
des  Plantes,  the  Palais  de  Just  ice,  s^wtrdU  Churches, 
the  House  of  the  Protestant  Sisters  of  Charity,  also 
one  of  the  largest  creches  in  Paris.  At  the  Con- 
ciergerie,  then  occupied  as  a  tribunal  of  justice: 

The  different  halls  were  handsomely  furnished,  and  in 
every  case  were  sanctified,  if  I  may  so  speak,  with  a  pict- 
ure of  the  Crucifixion.  Christian  mercy  is  ever  to  be  as- 
sociated with  Christian  justice. 

St.  Gervais  is  remarkable  for  its  modern  decorations. 
I  have  not  yet  entered  a  Church  in  France  without  find- 
ing several  persons  engaged  in  their  devotions.  Here 


176 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


in  this  Church  I  was  forcibly  impressed  by  the  appar- 
ent devotion  of  a  man  in  a  blouse,  who  while  I  was  in 
the  building — about  half  an  hour — was  absorbed,  as  he 
seemed,  in  meditation  and  prayer.  If  our  Churches  were 
opened,  would  there  be  any  among  our  working  people, 
any  of  our  mechanics  and  laborers,  who  would  enter  them 
and  spend  thirty  minutes  or  more  in  silent  devotion? 

The  Roman  Catholics  on  the  Continent  seem  to  use 
their  Churches  as  places  of  prayer,  and  not  merely  to 
resort  to  them  as  lecture  halls.  They  appear  at  home  in 
Church,  without  any  restraint  or  foolish  bashfulness;  in- 
different to  others  they  fall  on  their  knees,  say  their 
prayers,  and  go  out  again  perhaps  to  pursue  their  ordi- 
nary avocations. 

At  St.  Eustache,  a  strange  melange  of  Gothic  and 
Roman  architecture,  I  read  a  notice  which  said  it  was 
decent  for  persons  to  pass  through  the  Church  (to  make 
by  it  a  short  cut,  in  passing  from  street  to  street)  without 
stopping  for  a  few  moments  to  offer  a  short  prayer  to 
God.  Persons  visiting  the  Church  were  also  requested 
not  to  talk  loud,  and  not  to  spit  on  the  floor  or  walls, 
but  if  compelled  to  expectorate  to  use  their  handkerchiefs 
for  that  purpose.  This  notice  reminded  me  of  one,  in  a 
meeting-house  at  Canandaigua,  N.  Y. :  "The  ladies  of  the 
congregation  would  request  the  gentlemen  to  take  the 
quids  out  of  their  mouths  before  going  in,  or  to  bring 
spitboxes  with  them." 

I  heard  part  of  a  Mass  at  St.  Roch.  As  an  artistic 
performance,  it  was  the  best  music  I  have  heard.  There 
was  a  delightful  tenor  voice.  The  singer  wore  a  mous- 
tache, and  standing  in  front  of  the  choir  organ,  sur- 
rounded by  a  number  of  men  and  boys  in  clerical  cos- 
tume, presented  rather  a  droll  appearance.  It  looked  as 
if  the  priests  at  St.  Roch  had  been  forced  to  go  to  the 
opera,  to  get  some  one  to  help  them  out  with  their  ser- 
vice. But,  the  music  was  exquisite,  and  I  confess  it  re- 
quired no  little  effort  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  listening 
to  it,  in  order  to  attend  the  English  service  in  the  Rue 


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177 


d'Aguesseau.  Here  we  found  the  Church  well  filled. 
Three  priests  officiated.  The  sermon  was  only  fair,  sug- 
gested as  I  thought  by  "  the  recent  papal  aggressions," 
as  the  English  papers  style  it,  on  England.  The  music, 
most  execrable,  more  like  mummery  than  anything  I  have 
yet  heard  in  a  Romish  Church.  It  was  vile  to  listen  to, 
and  so  indistinctly  and  badly  given,  that  it  was  almost 
impossible  to  take  part  in  it.  I  cannot  conceive  how 
any  good  can  be  derived  from  such  a  musical  perform- 
ance, either  as  a  tribute  of  praise,  or  a  mode  of  expressing 
religious  emotions.  It  was  too  shabby  to  oflfer  to  God, 
and  was  so  repulsive  to  the  ear  as  to  repress  rather  than 
excite  feelings  of  devotion.  The  whole  service,  although 
conducted  with  decency  and  order,  was  cold,  that  is  thor- 
oughly English.  We  paid  a  franc  each  for  our  seat.  In 
the  afternoon,  as  I  was  a  clergyman,  my  mother  and  my- 
self were  conducted  to  seats  on  the  ground  floor,  and  not 
taxed  for  our  accommodations. 

Institution  of  the  Deaconesses  of  the  Evangelical 
Churches  of  France.  I  had  read  of  this  institution  in 
one  of  the  English  reviews,  had  referred  to  it  in  a  ser- 
mon, and  of  course  was  very  anxious  to  see  this  Catholic 
phase  of  Protestantism.  It  is  situated  in  the  Faubourg 
St.  Antoine,  one  of  the  worst  quarters  of  Paris.  During 
the  revolution  of  '48,  in  the  very  street  where  it  is  located, 
there  were  no  less  than  nine  or  ten  barricades,  to  raise 
which,  even  women,  girls  and  little  children  of  five  or  six 
years  of  age,  had  worked  together.  I  obtained  without 
any  dif?iculty,  permission  to  go  through  the  establishment, 
and  was  put  under  the  charge  of  one  of  the  sisters. 

Various  are  the  departments  in  which  this  admirable 
institution  performs  its  work  of  mercy  and  of  Christian 
love.  It  has  its  "  Refuge,"  in  which  females  who  have  led 
a  dissolute  life  can  retire  from  the  contagion  of  vicious 
associates.  .  .  .  There  is  also  a  place  of  detention 
called  Retenue  in  which  are  received  young  girls  confided 
to  the  institution  by  their  parents  or  the  civil  authority. 
In  the  Disciplinaire,  young  persons  from  7  to  14  years  of 


12 


178 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


age,  are  confided  by  their  parents  or  protector,  for  moral 
training  and  discipline.  The  most  common  vices  of  the 
children  when  they  enter  the  "  disciplinaire  "  are  "  dis- 
honesty, trickery  [la  ruse)  and  lying." — The  Maisoti  de 
Sajite  has  two  departments,  one  for  sick  men,  the  other 
for  women. 

An  important  branch  of  the  "  Maison  de  Service  des 
Diaconesses,"  is  that  which  has  for  its  object  the  educa- 
tion of  the  young.  This  branch  includes  the  Creche,  the 
Salle  d'Asile,  the  School  for  Mutual  Instruction  and  the 
School  of  Apprenticeship. 

The  Creche  (manger,  taking  its  name  from  the  manger 
of  Bethlehem)  is  a  nursery,  where  poor  women  leave  their 
infants  for  the  day,  to  be  taken  care  of,  whilst  they  them- 
selves are  engaged  in  working  for  the  support  of  their 
families.  Each  infant  costs  the  institution  about  7  sous; 
the  parent  pays  perhaps  4  sous.  The  Salle  d'Asile  is 
an  infant  school,  attended  by  about  200  children. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  appreciation  of  the  Creche  and 
Salle  d'Asile  by  the  poor  people  in  the  neighborhood, 
it  is  stated  that  on  the  24th  of  February,  when  in  this 
quarter  of  the  city  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
House,  a  number  of  barricades  were  erected,  in  the 
midst  of  the  tumult,  through  groups  of  armed  men, 
mothers  full  of  courage  and  pious  confidence,  followed 
their  accustomed  way,  and  brought  their  infants  to  the 
Creche  and  their  children  to  the  school. 

In  the  Journal  seven  quarto  pages  are  filled 
with  descriptions  of  this  institution  of  benevolence. 
Nine  more  are  crowded  with  detailed  information 
about  another  La  Creche  Saint  Louis  d'Antin," 
which  is  under  the  charge  of  a  Roman  Catholic 
sisterhood.  The  explanation  of  so  large  a  devotion 
to  the  subject  may  be  found  in  an  entry:  "  Some- 
thing like  the  Creche  might  be  established  at  home, 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


which  apart  from  its  charitable  provisions  for  poor 
children,  would  be  an  excellent  school  for  nurses/' 
The  object  of  this  Cr^cJie  Saint  Louis  is  like  the 
other: 

They  receive  in  this  Asylum,  every  morning,  except  on 
fete  days,  children  under  two  years  of  age,  whose  mothers 
are  poor  and  obliged  to  do  work  away  from  their  own 
homes.  They  come  to  nurse  them  at  the  hours  of  repast, 
and  return  for  them  again  at  evening. 

Here  follows  an  exact  and  full  account  of  the 
three  rooms  filled  with  cradles,  the  kitchen,  linen 
room,  balcony  garden,  the  nurses,  the  infants  and 
their  uniform,  the  hygienic  regulations,  and  many 
other  matters.  Among  the  rules  given  in  the 
"  }^Ianuel,"  under  the  head  of  Hygiene,  the  follow- 
ing is  quoted: 

Advice  to  the  Mothers.  Rock  the  child  but  little,  let 
it  take  the  air  often.  Scold  it  but  seldom,  beat  it  never. 
Gentleness  always.  When  lying  down,  place  it  some- 
times on  one  side,  sometimes  on  the  other,  the  head  being 
always  a  little  raised.  Never  take  it  up  by  one  arm. 
Feet  warm,  the  stomach  unconfined,  the  head  cool.  Let 
it  have  no  painted  playthings.  Caress  it,  but  seldom  em- 
brace it.  Do  not  wake  the  child  out  of  a  sleep.  Never 
fret  it  and  make  it  cry.  Let  the  children  amuse  them- 
selves, and  place  them  near  those  they  love.  Much  atten- 
tion; little  medicine. 

There  are  special  rules  for  the  direction  of  the  nurses; 
such  as,  they  are  never  to  carry  about  their  persons,  pins, 
needles,  scissors  or  knives.  .  .  .  They  are  to  abstain 
from  every  vulgar  expression  and  improper  word,  and 
interdicted  all  gossiping. 


i8o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Amusement.  Sleep.  In  the  way  of  amusement  an  ac- 
cordion and  a  few  playthings  are  all  that  are  necessary  in 
the  Creche.  The  accordion  has  the  power  of  stopping 
their  crying.  This  is  putting  this  musical  instrument  to 
a  happy  use,  and  it  was  a  valuable  discovery  to  ascertain 
that  a  kind  of  music  so  vile  to  adult  ears  can  be  made 
acceptable  to  those  of  babies. 

It  is  not  difficult,  as  they  say,  to  accustom  the  children 
to  go  to  sleep  all  at  the  same  time,  for  they  maintain  that 
sleep  is  sympathetic;  a  fact  which  is  well  sustained  by  what 
we  often  have  an  opportunity  of  observing  in  crowded 
assemblages.  Although  I  doubt  if  a  R.  C.  ever  goes  to 
sleep  in  Church. 

In  passing  along  the  streets  of  Paris,  I  have  been 
struck  with  the  strange  inscriptions  over  some  of  the 
shops.  These  inscriptions  are  a  kind  of  dedication.  Over 
a  dry  goods  store,  a  grocery  or  shoe  shop,  you  may  read 
"  au  bon  Pasteur,"  "  a  la  bonne  Providence,"  "  a  la  Grace 
divine,"  "  au  diable  a  quatre,"  "  au  pauvre  diable  "  ;  so 
that  the  eye  as  it  glances  along  finds  a  curious  mixture  of 
sacred  and  profane  things,  and  one  cannot  help  thinking 
that  the  French  have  a  strange  way  of  associating  holy 
subjects  with  ribbons,  shawls,  pork  and  vegetables,  and 
a  very  droll  idea  of  the  "  diable  " — a  person  whom  all 
good  Catholics  should  regard  with  dread  as  man's  great 
spiritual  adversary,  rather  than  sport  with  as  they  might 
be  inclined  to  do  with  a  Merry  Andrew. 

The  names  of  many  of  the  streets  and  places  have  been 
changed  to  adapt  them  to  the  republican  fever:  the  old 
Palais  Royal  is  now  the  Palais  National.  What's  in  a 
name!  I  had  an  opportunity  in  company  with  Mr.  Degen, 
to  make  frequent  inquiries  amongst  the  shopkeepers,  as 
to  the  present  feeling  of  the  Parisians  in  respect  to  the 
existing  government.  With  the  exception  of  a  barber,  all 
were  of  one  opinion:  that  things  have  not  been  bettered 
by  the  change;  that  the  republic  costs  very  dear,  and  that 
under  its  name  little  has  been  acquired  in  the  way  of  po- 
litical privileges;  that  there  is  nothing  permanent  in  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


present  order  of  things;  that  although  the  socialists 
had  been  crushed,  the  three  opposing  parties — the  Louis 
Philippe  party,  the  legitimists  and  republicans — will  keep 
France  in  a  ferment,  until  there  is  another  grand  convul- 
sion, and  the  political  state  of  the  country  be  reduced  to 
its  first  elements.  The  traders,  merchants  and  decent  la- 
boring people  are  for  the  government  which  will  give 
them  the  best  facilities  and  securities  for  gaining  a  live- 
lihood. "  To  sit  still  is  their  strength."  They  dread  any 
revolutionary  movement  that  may  disturb  the  tranquillity 
of  the  nation.  I  have  seen  in  the  passages  pictures  of 
Louis  Philippe  and  of  his  sons,  labelled  with  their  royal 
and  princely  titles;  also  portraits  of  Henry  V.,  King  of 
France  as  he  is  styled.  In  the  newspapers,  although  they 
are  subjected  to  many  restrictions,  I  have  read  very  bold 
arid  able  discussions  of  great  political  questions,  where 
monarchism  and  republicanism  are  contrasted  to  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  former,  and  where  it  is  maintained  that 
there  can  be  no  stability  in  government,  no  tranquillity  in 
the  country,  no  guaranty  for  the  prosperity  and  happiness 
of  the  people,  without  going  backwards  and  reestablishing 
the  French  monarchy  on  the  ancient  foundation,  by  es- 
pousing and  maintaining  legitimacy  in  the  person  of  the 
Duke  of  Bordeaux. 

On  the  ninth,  we  engaged  our  courier,  a  young  German 
by  the  name  of  Ferdinand  Bauer,  who  as  yet  has  proved 
himself  to  be  all  we  could  wish;  and  bought  our  carriages, 
jne  caleche  which  belonged  to  General  La  Monciere,  and 
a  britzska — the  two  together  costing  1800  francs. 

November  14th.  Left  Paris  by  railroad  for  Tonnerre, 
on  our  way  to  Nice,  by  Dijon,  Lyons,  Avignon,  Aix, 
Frejus  and  Cannes.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Degen  and  Mr.  Eck- 
ford  accompanied  us  to  the  station.  After  having  re- 
ceived so  much  kindness  from  these  friends  on  board 
ship  and  since  our  arrival  in  France,  we  parted  from  them 
with  many  regrets,  and  our  sincerest  acknowledgments 
of  their  many  services  and  affectionate  attentions.  The 
station  house  is  a  capacious  building,  in  an  architectural 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


point  of  view  remarkable  for  its  lightness  and  beauty,  and 
admirable  in  all  its  arrangements  for  the  accommodation 
of  travellers.  On  showing  your  ticket,  you  are  permitted 
to  pass  into  one  of  the  three  compartments,  under  the 
same  roof,  as  you  may  happen  to  be  travelling  in  the  ist, 
2nd  or  3rd  class,  and  from  thence,  at  the  ringing  of  a 
bell,  you  are  conducted  to  the  cars.  The  cars  are  like 
those  formerly  used  on  our  railroads,  with  this  difference, 
that  those  of  the  ist  class  are  much  more  luxuriously 
fitted  out.  Our  carriages  were  placed  on  trucks,  and  we 
remained  in  them  until  we  reached  Tonnerre.  There  is 
one  feature  in  the  little  French  towns  which  flitted  before 
us  as  we  passed  rapidly  by  on  the  railroad,  which  made  a 
favorable,  and  I  believe,  a  lasting  impression.  The  houses 
all  seemed  to  be  clustering  around  the  old  Church,  as  if 
they  had  grown  up  around  and  were  clinging  to  it,  as  if 
it  was  the  nucleus,  the  sacred  spot  from  which  radiated 
peace  and  domestic  happiness.  There  was  no  symbol  of 
disunion;  no  evidence  of  dissent  and  religious  bickerings 
and  hostility,  which  stares  us  in  the  face  as  soon  as  we 
come  in  sight  of  some  little  pert  American  village  with 
its  four  or  five  bright  red  or  glistening  white  meeting 
liouses.  No  one  would  think  in  France  of  asking  where  or 
which  is  the  Church?  In  our  religion,  we  appear  to  adopt 
the  formula  of  traffic  "  Opposition  is  the  life  of  trade." 

Arrived  at  Montbard  at  ten  o'clock.  Rooms  had  been 
ordered  for  us  at  the  Point  du  Jour.  The  fires  in  our 
rooms  were  all  lighted,  and  we  were  soon  refreshed  with 
a  capital  dinner  (trout,  partridges,  etc.).  It  is  a  dirty 
place,  and  only  celebrated  as  the  birthplace  of  Bufifon. 

November  15th.  At  nine  o'clock  started  for  Dijon. 
The  roads  are  all  macadamized.  The  villages  we  passed 
through  today  had  a  poor  and  desolate  appearance,  the 
houses  of  stone  and  sometimes  stuccoed,  with  roofs  hang- 
ing down  almost  to  the  ground.  The  only  redeeming 
feature  in  the  landscape  is  the  old,  quaint  Church  which 
is  the  prominent  object  as  you  approach  each  town.  We 
arrived  at  Dijon  at  7^  o'clock. 


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183 


i6th.  Notre  Dame  is  remarkable  as  a  specimen  of  the 
purest  Gothic.  Its  clock  is  mentioned  by  Froissart  as 
the  most  curious  one  in  Christendom  or  heathen  lands. 
Several  churches  in  this  place  have  been  desecrated,  and 
are  now  occupied  as  warehouses,  corn  markets,  etc. 

Les  Puits  de  Moise,"  in  the  old  Chartreuse,  is  a  cu- 
rious specimen  of  ancient  art.  It  consists  of  sereral  beau- 
tifully finished  statues,  figures  of  Moses,  Isaiah,  Jeremiah, 
Zechariah,  Daniel  and  David,  ranged  round  a  shaft,  and 
was  originally  a  centre  ornament  in  a  cemetery.  The  old 
woman  who  pointed  out  its  beauties,  in  explanation  of 
the  two  horns  on  the  head  of  Moses,  said  that  it  repre- 
sented the  glory,"  and  that  Moses  was  always  thus  dis- 
tinguished among  the  Old  Testament  saints,  because  he 
alone  was  permitted  to  speak  face  to  face  with  God. 

The  Chartreuse  which  is  now  rebuilt  is  occupied  as  an 
asylum  for  lunatics  and  idiots  or  "  fous."  On  asking  the 
old  woman  whether  there  were  many  fools  in  France,  she 
replied  "  presque  toutes." 

We  find  every  comfort  in  the  Hotel  de  la  Cloche,  and 
I  cannot  help  mentioning  that  half  at  least  of  our  comfort 
and  pleasure  here  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  amiable  Mary 
Anne,  the  waiting  maid,  who  by  her  engaging  manners 
made  a  favorable  impression  upon  us  all.  She  is  pretty, 
complaisant,  bright  and  modest  withal.  Though  cheerful 
she  said  she  was  "  ennuyed  "  at  times,  when  she  thought 
of  her  father  and  mother  who  were  living  about  twelve 
miles  from  Dijon.  They  were  very  poor,  and  she  sent 
them  more  than  half  her  earnings.  Sometimes,  she  said, 
she  was  exposed  to  insult;  not  unfrequently  scolded  by 
the  proprietor  of  the  hotel,  when  the  fault  was  in  the 
peevishness  of  the  travellers;  and  at  all  times  regarded 
with  jealousy  by  the  other  servants,  who,  as  she  said,  if 
they  only  would  take  the  same  trouble  to  please  that  she 
did,  would  equally  ingratiate  themselves  into  the  favor- 
able opinion  of  the  persons  whom  they  served.  She  con- 
vinced us  of  her  artless  simplicity  and  honesty,  by  refusing 
to  receive  any  present  of  money,  assuring  us  that  she  was 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


not  permitted  to  receive  for  herself  any  gratuity,  that  she 
would  be  compelled  to  place  in  the  servants'  box  any- 
thing we  might  choose  to  give  her.  Hers  is  a  hard  ser- 
vice. She  has  not  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  going  to 
Church  since  last  Easter.  Every  night  up  to  twelve 
o'clock;  sometimes,  as  her  turn  comes  round,  watches  all 
night ;  and  her  earnings,  her  portion  of  the  gifts  of 
travellers,  amount  to  about  lOO  dollars  a  year.  She  is 
worthier  of  a  happier  lot.  Would  that  all,  especially  those 
whose  lot  has,  by  Providence,  fallen  into  a  good  ground, 
would  be  as  contented  as  she  is,  and  as  cheerfully  and 
faithfully  fulfil  the  duties  of  the  station  in  which  God  has 
placed  them. 

Left  Dijon  at  two  o'clock  by  railroad,  passing  through 
the  Burgundy  wine  country,  and  arrived  at  Chalons  25 
minutes  past  4  o'clock. 

i8th.  Left  Chalons  in  the  steamer  Crocodile  at  10 
o'clock,  and  arrived  at  Lyons  6)4.  The  Crocodile  is  well 
named:  it  is  a  long,  narrow,  black  painted  boat.  A  pas- 
sage in  her  was  something  like  sailing  down  the  river  on 
a  log.  We  remained  in  our  carriages,  it  being  a  rainy 
day,  and  were  right  glad  when  we  found  ourselves  rattling 
along  the  streets  of  Lyons. 

19th.  At  ID  o'clock  left  in  the  steamer  for  Valence. 
The  river  very  narrow  and  shallow,  shortly  after  leaving 
Lyons,  and  the  passengers  were  obliged  to  run  first  to  the 
bows,  then  to  the  stern,  to  get  the  boat  ofif  as  she  occa- 
sionally grounded.  Near  Tournon  saw  snow  on  the  dis- 
tant mountains.    Arrived  at  Valence  at  5  o'clock. 

20th.  Next  morning  at  7  o'clock,  by  steamer,  left  for 
Avignon.  Many  soldiers  on  board;  some  look  like  mere 
boys.  At  one  of  the  villages  which  we  passed  today, 
there  was  a  "  petite  revolution  "  yesterday;  a  barricade  was 
raised,  one  or  two  men  killed,  and  several  wounded. 

Avignon  was  occupied  by  the  Popes  from  1305  to  1370, 
according  to  Petrarch,  the  Babylonish  captivity  of  the 
Church.  The  Popes  gained  possession  of  Avignon  by  a 
grant  made  by  Joanna  of  Naples  while  yet  a  minor  for 


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185 


80,000  gold  crowns,  which  were  never  paid.  The  palace  of 
the  Popes  is  now  occupied  as  a  barracks,  the  temporal  in 
fact  supplanting  the  spiritual  sword.  We  were  disap- 
pointed in  not  seeing  the  halls  of  the  Inquisition;  some 
alteration  having  been  made  in  the  building,  as  we  were 
informed,  they  can  no  longer  be  seen  by  the  traveller. 
Perhaps  Murray's  Handbook,  Dickens'  pictures  and  other 
books  of  the  same  kind,  have  given  so  much  publicity  to 
the  cruelties  and  horrors  perpetrated,  under  the  name  of 
religion,  within  these  walls,  that  they  have  been  closed 
with  the  hope  of  blotting  out  from  memory,  if  possible, 
this  bloody  chapter  of  ecclesiastical  history. 

November  21st.  At  g]4.  o'clock  left  for  Aix.  A  per- 
son is  not  long  in  France  before  observing  that  in  this 
land  of  gallantry,  the  fair  sex  are  compelled  to  turn  their 
hand  to  many  employments  which  in  other  less  chivalric 
countries  are  exclusively  appropriated  to  the  lords  of  cre- 
ation. We  met  a  woman  driving  today  a  public  con- 
veyance, filled  with  men,  women  and  children.  Another 
woman  passed  us  on  the  road,  conducting  a  cart  drawn 
by  4  horses,  with  another  horse  tied  behind.  In  Paris, 
on  entering  the  shops,  it  was  often  a  matter  of  inquiry 
to  myself — where  are  the  men?  I  once  asked  to  satisfy 
my  curiosity,  and  was  informed  that  the  men  superintend 
the  manufacture  of  the  articles,  generall]^  in  the  rear  of  the 
establishment,  and  the  women  attend  to  their  sale  in  front. 
Close  to  the  road  as  we  approached  Aix,  we  saw  olives, 
almonds  and  mulberries.    Stone  crosses. 

Arrived  at  Aix  at  20  minutes  past  5  o'clock.  "  Aix  was 
the  ancient  capital  of  Provence,  the  resort  of  the  trouba- 
dours, the  home  of  poetry,  gallantry  and  politeness,  the 
theatre  of  the  courts  of  love  and  of  gay  fetes." 

22nd.  Between  6  and  7  o'clock,  went  to  the  Cathedral; 
a  congregation  of  30  or  40  were  assembled  for  Mass.  .  .  . 
At  8  o'clock  left  for  Frejus.  For  want  of  a  postilion,  I 
was  compelled  to  stay  an  hour  at  Le  Muy,  the  other  car- 
riage, with  the  ladies,  my  father  and  courier  continuing 
their  journey  to  Frejus.    An  ouvrier  made  himself  very 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


agreeable  to  me  during  my  compulsory  stay  in  the  village, 
and  on  giving  him  a  franc  to  drink  my  health,  he  insisted 
upon  doing  the  civilities  of  the  place,  and  treated  me  first 
to  a  cigar  and  then  took  me  to  a  cafe,  where  we  regaled 
ourselves  with  a  cup  of  cafe  seasoned  with  cognac,  and 
discussed  American  and  French  politics  with  the  mayor 
and  other  official  dignities  of  the  village.  Before  reaching 
Frejus,  Ferdinand  met  me  with  a  one-horse  wagon,  and  I 
reached  the  Hotel  du  Midi  at  half  past  lo  o'clock. 

23rd.  At  7  o'clock  took  a  stroll  and  visited  the  Cathe- 
dral, adjoining  which  is  a  Baptistery  of  the  nth  or  12th 
century,  resting  on  eight  columns  of  grey  granite  with 
marble  capitals.  I  don't  believe  that  any  Baptisteries 
are  to  be  found  of  later  date  than  the  13th  century,  when 
the  doctrine  of  the  Roman  Church  was  settled  in  respect 
to  the  seven  sacraments,  and  the  rite  of  Holy  Baptism  was 
levelled  in  significancy  with  Absolution,  Extreme  Unction 
and  Matrimony. 

Left  Frejus  at  o'clock.  .  .  .  The  ride  today  ex- 
ceedingly beautiful,  along  the  shore  of  the  Mediterranean 
at  times,  through  olive  groves,  and  by  the  side  of  orange 
trees  ladened  with  fruit.  We  met  with  no  inconvenience, 
thanks  to  a  five-franc  piece,  at  the  douane,  and  arrived 
at  Nice  at  6^. 

In  a  store  whe;-e  I  was  purchasing  a  few  articles,  I 
asked  the  shopkeeper  whether  there  were  many  soldiers 
here.  He  replied  "  Yes,  plenty  of  them.  We  have  not 
yet  emerged  from  a  state  of  barbarism,  where  force  rules 
instead  of  law."  I  see  from  the  paper  which  is  published 
twice  a  week,  that  the  Sisters  of  Charity  have  been  re- 
moved from  the  hospitals,  in  consequence  of  bad  manage- 
ment, and  their  place  supplied  by  others  appointed  by  the 
city  government.  The  difYerences  between  the  Pope  and 
King  of  Sardinia  would  appear,  from  what  I  read  in  the 
same  journal,  not  yet  to  be  amicably  adjusted.  Multi- 
tudes of  priests,  and  monks  bareheaded  with  bare  or  san- 
daled feet,  loaf  through  the  streets  as  if  they  had  nothing 
to  do,  and  found  it  difficult  to  pass  their  time.  Perhaps 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


187 


they  are  forced  to  leave  their  hallowed  retreats  to  sun 
themselves, 

December  ist.  Adve7it  Sunday .  In  consequence  of  the 
carriage  not  coming  in  time,  we  arrived  at  the  Church  too 
late  to  find  seats,  and  were  obliged  to  return.  We  engaged 
in  prayer  in  our  room.  Attended  the  Evening  Service. 
Last  Sunday  evening  attended  a  French  Evangelical  Ser- 
vice in  an  upper  room;  the  congregation  numbered  about 
12. 

After  leaving  Nice  the  travellers  ride  along  the 
delightful  Cornice  road — the  old  Aurelian  way — 
which,  "  for  a  considerable  distance,  runs  along  the 
edge  of  a  mountain  overhanging  the  Mediterra- 
nean, offering  views  of  the  greatest  beauty."  San 
Remo  as  it  appeared  from  the  windows  of  the  hotel, 
its  houses  pitched  one  upon  another  on  the  side  of 
a  mountain,  is  described  as  looking  like  a  "  gigantic 
hornet's  nest."  Departing  from  San  Remo  on  the 
3rd  of  December: 

The  weather  is  very  much  like  one  of  our  brightest 
September  days.  Along  the  coast,  at  intervals,  perched 
on  projecting  rocks,  are  ruined  towers,  which  were  built 
to  protect  the  villages  from  the  piratical  incursions  of 
the  Algerines.  The  streets  of  the  towns  are  so  narrow, 
that  in  some  cases,  they  are  obliged  to  close  the  doors  of 
the  houses  to  let  a  carriage  pass  through.  The  Churches 
we  saw  today  are  painted  with  the  gayest  colors,  and  a 
fresco  painting  of  the  Virgin  is  the  chief  ornament  in 
the  front.  Several  of  the  women  which  we  met  wore 
veils;  some  girls  we  saw  engaged  in  unloading  a  vessel, 
walking  two  by  two  with  a  sack  on  their  heads.  The  car- 
riage never  stops  without  drawing  around  it  a  swarm  of 
beggars,  but  this  is  to  be  said  in  their  favor — they  gen- 
erally are  objects  of  charity  from  sickness  or  some  bodily 
infirmity,  and  are  thankful  to  receive  the  smallest  coin, 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


so  that  a  very  moderate  degree  of  charity,  and  a  few 
coppers,  two  or  more  of  which  would  make  a  penny,  go 
a  great  way. 

Arrived  at  Savona.  Hotel  de  la  Poste;  magnificently 
furnished,  repairs  not  yet  complete,  cuisine  tolerable  only; 
the  proprietor  seems  determined  to  impress  his  guests 
through  the  eye  rather  than  the  stomach. 

Again  travelling,  our  journalist  notices  the 
frequent  pictures  or  frescoes  of  the  Virgin,  on 
Churches,  houses,  and  garden  walls.  A  stranger 
might  suppose  that  "  the  Ligurians  were  worship- 
pers of  a  woman."  Genoa  is  reached  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  fourth.  Here  note  is  made  of  the  re- 
ceipt of  letters  from  America.  Naturally,  much 
attention  is  given,  in  Italy,  to  palaces,  pictures, 
statues,  frescoes,  as  well  as  Cathedrals  and  other 
Churches.  At  the  same  time  the  works  of  benefi- 
cence are  never  lost  sight  of. 

Genoa  is  no  less  remarkable  for  the  munificence  dis- 
played in  its  provision  for  the  poor  and  afflicted,  than  for 
the  splendor  of  its  palaces  and  Churches. 

Albergo  dei  Poveri.  The  building  might  be  well 
styled  a  palace.  The  object  is  to  provide  a  home  for  the 
poor  and  aged,  for  all  in  fact  who  are  not  able  to  take 
care  of  themselves  from  age  or  other  infirmity;  accord- 
ingly it  includes  among  its  inmates  men,  women  and 
children,  in  number  about  2000.  There  is  a  school  for 
the  children,  another  for  the  "  mutes."  On  a  blackboard 
which  had  just  been  used  by  one  of  these  poor  unfor- 
tunates was  written  in  Italian:  "Faith  is  a  principle  in- 
fused by  the  grace  of  God,  by  which  one  believes  what 
the  Church  teaches  agreeably  to  the  revealed  will  of 
God."  The  men  and  women  who  are  not  incapacitated 
by  age  or  bodily  infirmity,  are  engaged  in  manufacturing 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  .  189 


towels,  napkins,  table  linen,  carpets  and  clothing  of  va- 
rious kinds;  the  girls  are  employed  in  needle  work,  lace 
making,  etc.  Two  thirds  of  the  avails  of  the  labor  are 
received  by  the  operatives  themselves;  the  remainder 
goes  towards  the  support  of  the  institution.  .  .  .  The 
boys  were  at  play  when  we  passed  through,  and  were 
amusing  themselves  with  a  game  like  marbles,  only  they 
played  with  oranges.  The  girls,  as  they  were  sewing, 
were  all  engaged  in  singing  a  hymn.  ...  I  have  yet 
seen  nothing  in  Genoa  which  has  given  me  more  pleas- 
ure, and  impressed  me  with  a  more  favorable  opinion 
of  its  inhabitants,  than  this  princely  establishment,  en- 
dowed and  sustained  with  such  munificent  liberality. 

In  like  manner,  this  benefactor  of  his  race  gives 
detailed  attention  in  his  Journal  to  the  "  Conser- 
vatorio  of  the  Fieschine,"  an  institution  for  orphan 
girls.    On  the  6th  of  December  he  writes: 

San  Siro.  The  oldest  Church  in  Genoa,  originally  the 
Cathedral.  Here  was  created  the  first  Doge  of  Genoa 
with  the  acclamation  of  the  people,  when  the  oligarchy 
was  destroyed. 

December  7th.  Woke  up  this  morning  about  5  o'clock 
by  the  ringing  of  bells,  and  was  reminded  of  Nice  where 
the  bells  were  continually  at  work  telling  the  hours  and 
calling  the  faithful  to  their  religious  duties.  If  each 
stroke  of  the  bell  here  and  at  Nice  occasioned  one  humble 
earnest  prayer,  these  two  cities  must  receive  each  day 
from  heaven  a  shower  of  blessings. 

December  8th.  At  the  Church  of  the  Annunciation,  at 
9  o'clock,  attended  a  military  Mass.  The  Church  was 
crowded,  there  being  about  2000  soldiers  in  the  nave. 
The  glistening  bayonets  and  the  red  caps  of  the  soldiers, 
the  rich  uniforms  of  the  officers,  the  beautiful  costume  of 
the  Genoese  women  who  wear  a  veil  covering  the  head 
and  falling  on  the  shoulders,  the  gay  appearance  of  the 


190 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Church  itself,  presented  a  most  magnificent  coup  d'asil. 
In  front  of  the  altar  were  two  military  bands  which 
seemed  to  take  the  part  of  responsive  choirs,  and  to 
perform  the  entire  music  of  the  Mass.  Not  a  voice 
was  heard  but  that  of  the  officiating  priest.  In  spite  of 
the  roll  of  the  drums,  which  might  be  condemned  as  un- 
ecclesiastical  in  its  character,  and  rather  secular  if  not 
irreligious  in  its  associations,  the  effect  of  the  brass  in- 
struments, bassoons,  clarionets  and  hautboys,  at  first 
startling,  became  highly  impressive.  The  sermon  was  in 
French.  The  reason  assigned  for  this  by  a  friend,  was 
the  circumstance  of  there  being  many  Savoyards  among 
the  regiments  quartered  in  this  city. 

Leaving  Genoa,  our  musician  noted: 

On  our  way  to  the  steamer  in  a  small  boat,  we  passed 
a  Sardinian  vessel  of  war,  where  the  sailors  were  amusing 
themselves  in  the  waltz,  by  the  music  of  a  hand  organ, 
which  a  man  was  playing  in  a  boat  alongside.  We  found 
among  our  fellow  passengers,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolfe  of 
New  York,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spencer,  etc. 

[After  a  short  stay  at  Leghorn.]  As  soon  as  we  were 
in  rough  water,  dinner  was  served  and  few  were  left  to 
enjoy  it.  December  loth.  Arrived  at  Civita  Vecchia,  6 
o'clock.  French  soldiers  were  doing  duty  at  this  port  of 
the  pope.  At  half  past  twelve  on  our  way  to  Naples, 
where  we  arrived  at  half  past  two  o'clock,  A.M. 

December  nth.  As  we  passed  along  the  streets  even 
at  this  early  hour,  Punchijiello  was  seen,  surrounded  by 
hundreds  of  admirers.  Looking  from  the  window  of  our 
apartment,  facing  the  Villa  Reale,  much  amused  we  all 
were  at  the  gay  scene  below:  men  with  huge  baskets  of 
bread  on  their  heads;  others  walking  along  under  a  good 
sized  cart  load  of  vegetables;  women  with  wet  clothes, — 
a  stone  on  the  top  to  keep  them  down — conically  piled 
up  to  form  a  curious  headgear;  everything  is  carried  on 
the  head  except  oranges,  which  are  wheeled  under  our 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


191 


window  in  little  wagons,  prettily  trimmed  with  green 
leaves;  monks  in  every  variety  of  costume;  soldiers  or 
officers  in  rich  uniforms;  beggars  in  picturesque  attitude 
and  dress  and  elegant  equipages  of  every  description. 

In  my  search  for  apartments  ...  a  funeral  proces- 
sion  passed  by.  The  attendants  were  all  dressed  in  white 
garments  entirely  covering  the  person,  with  openings  only 
for  the  eyes. 

Many  of  the  houses  which  we  entered  in  search  for 
rooms,  are  exceedingly  offensive  to  the  eye  and  nose;  so 
that  a  short  tramp  through  the  city  and  but  a  look  and 
glance  at  the  interior  of  a  few  of  its  best  habitations,  im- 
mediately suggest  a  satisfactory  reason  why  the  Neapoli- 
tans prefer  living  in  the  open  air.  The  Lazzaroni  are 
philosophers,  and  men  of  taste  after  all! 

In  every  street  you  find  Lottery  offices.  In  one,  more 
showy  than  the  others  in  its  decorations,  is  the  picture 
of  the  Virgin  as  Lady  Patroness  of  the  establishment. 
Certainly  the  Italians  have  strange  ideas  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  while  they  worship  her  with  almost  divine 
honors,  nevertheless  in  spite  of  all  their  respect  and  rever- 
ence for  her  as  the  Mother  of  God,  they  extend  the  lim- 
its of  her  maternal  influence  and  supreme  dominion  in 
heaven  and  earth,  so  far  as  sometimes  to  associate  her 
with  places  and  occupations,  which  some  good  Catholics 
would  regard  as  disreputable  and  anything  but  moral  in 
their  object  and  tendency.  This  was,  it  is  said,  an  old 
Greek  settlement,  and  possibly  the  remains  of  Paganism 
have  not  yet  been  entirely  eradicated.  I  should  judge 
from  the  fact  of  seeing  two  priests  in  one  of  these  offices, 
that  there  is  nothing  in  Lotteries  opposed  to  the  religious 
principles  of  the  Roman  Catholics  in  this  part  of  the 
world. 

December  12th.  I  have  not  yet  received  from  the 
Custom  House,  several  books  which  were  found  in  the 
"  vache,"  and  which  must  be  examined  by  the  censors 
before  they  can  be  delivered  up.  In  an  extract  from  a 
military  journal  of  this  city,  which  I  founji  in  the  Gali- 


192 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


gnani  Messenger,  among  the  proscribed  books  are:  Cos- 
mos of  Humboldt,  Schiller,  Shakespeare,  Moliere,  Lamar- 
tine,  Ovid,  Lucian  and  Sophocles. 

15th.  Attended  service  twice  at  the  English  Chapel  at- 
tached to  the  Consulate;  the  Rector  or  Chaplain,  Mr. 
Pugh.  The  Church  was  crowded  in  the  morning.  Music 
good.  Subscribers  pay  two  dollars  a  month  for  a  seat; 
non-subscribers  are  charged  every  time  50  cents.  As  far 
as  I  could  observe,  the  stores  today  are  all  closed. 

Museums  and  Churches  are  visited  continuously. 
Referring  to  one  of  the  latter,  the  journalist  notes: 
"  Too  late  to  see  the  paintings  in  sacristy.  The 
custdde  said  it  was  so  many  minutes  of  24  o'clock, 
which  is  otherwise  called  5  o'clock." 

It  takes  some  time  for  the  eye  to  become  accustomed 
to  the,  style  of  architecture  which  prevails  in  this  part  of 
Italy,  for  sacred  edifices.  The  classical  fagades  and  other 
Roman  or  Grecian  features  give  them  a  secular  appear- 
ance. So  great  is  the  contrast,  within  and  without,  of  a 
•Neapolitan  Church  and  a  Cathedral  in  the  north  of  France, 
say  at  Rouen,  that  it  can  but  with  difficulty  be  imagined, 
that  the  two  buildings  were  reared  by  persons  holding  the 
same  faith,  or  could  be  occupied  and  used  for  the  same 
sacred  service.  They  would  seem  to  represent  two  com- 
plete sets  of  religious  ideas.  At  Rouen  you  see  Roman 
Catholics  in  the  shade,  here  in  sunlight — too  strong  a 
light  thrown  upon  it,  its  defects  too  apparent.  There  is 
so  much  flimsy  ornament  and  tinsel  in  many  of  the  most 
splendid  Churches,  that  after  visiting  many  of  them,  you 
leave  with  the  impression  that  the  Service  of  the  Mass  is 
growing  to  seed.  There  is  a  feeling  of  awe  and  reverence 
produced  by  the  grandeur  and  massive  ornaments  of  a 
Gothic  Cathedral,  whereas  in  an  Italian  Church  you  are 
at  best  surprised  by  the  exhibition  of  wealth  and  at  times 
lost  in  admiration  when  gazing  on  some  masterpiece  of 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


193 


the  celebrated  painters.  Besides,  in  France  you  are  not 
always  repelled  and  excited  to  criticism  by  the  miserable 
little  dolls  which  are  to  be  found  in  every  Church  and 
every  street  in  Italy.  I  have  not  seen  as  much  devotion 
in  the  Churches  here  as  I  observed  at  Rouen,  Paris,  Di- 
jon and  elsewhere  in  France. 

Upon  the  19th,  visiting  the  Monastery  of  San 
Martino,  after  speaking  of  frescoes,  precious  mar- 
bles, and  mosaics,  he  records: 

In  the  choir,  "  The  Nativity  "  by  Guido,  is  particularly 
worthy  of  mention.  Guido  died  before  he  finished  this 
painting.  His  heirs  wished  to  restore  to  the  monks  2000 
scudi  which  had  been  paid  in  advance,  but  they  were  so 
well  satisfied  with  the  picture,  incomplete  as  it  was,  that 
they  refused  to  receive  back  the  money.  In  the  treasury 
"  The  Descent  from  the  Cross  "  by  Spagnoletto,  is  one  of 
the  finest  paintings  in  the  world,  in  point  of  conception  of 
subject  and  expression  given  to  the  different  figures.  In 
the  hall  leading  to  the  Church  is  an  inscription,  historic, 
connected  with  the  Carthusians  who  were  obliged  to  fly 
from  England,  reflecting  pretty  severely  on  Henry  VIII. 

December  24th.  Riding  through  the  Toledo,  found  the 
street  crowded  with  people.  The  fish  sellers  with  their 
eels  were  decidedly  the  most  conspicuous  and  noisy  in  the 
busy  throng.  Over  each  basket  of  fish  or  eels  was  a 
branch  of  bay-tree  from  which  hung  a  picture  of  St.  Pas- 
quale.  A  marked  contrast  in  the  appearance  of  Naples 
and  that  of  New  York  on  the  day  before  Christmas!  In- 
stead of  sugar  plums,  fancy  books  and  toys,  nothing  but 
the  smell  and  sight  of  fish!  This  may  be  accounted  for  by 
the  fact  that  the  24th  December,  as  coming  immediately 
before  a  great  festival,  is  a  vigil. 

At  loyi  at  night,  F         and  myself  went  to  the  Royal 

Chapel  to  attend  the  midnight  service.  After  Vespers, 
the  Mass  commenced  about  12  o'clock.    The  choir  was 


13 


194 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


stationed  above  and  in  the  rear  of  the  altar.  Besides  an 
orchestra  of  about  25  performers,  there  were  7  singers, 
three  tenors  and  four  basses.  The  organ  was  almost  too 
insignificant  to  deserve  any  mention.  I  was  surprised, 
however,  by  the  musical  performances  of  the  organist, 
who  in  the  solemn  parts  of  the  Mass,  accompanied  the 
priest  in  an  ad  libituDi  movement,  which  had  a  most 
ludicrous  effect,  and  must  have  been  very  perplexing  to 
the  officiating  priest,  provided  that  his  ears  could  discrim- 
inate between  harmony  and  discord.  As  soon  as  their 
services  were  no  longer  required,  the  musicians  and  sing- 
ers, retired,  first  blowing  out  the  candles.  The  chapel  was 
not  crowded.  I  noticed  great  irreverence  on  the  part  of 
certain  females  who  while  on  their  knees  were  laughing 
and  joking.  The  sermon  was  on  the  Incarnation,  or 
rather  the  Nativity,  and  I  listened  to  it  with  pleasure  al- 
though I  could  understand  but  a  few  words;  the  manner 
and  voice  of  the  preacher  were  so  agreeable.  We  left 
the  chapel  at  half  past  one  o'clock.  This  service  has 
helped  me  to  realize  the  sacred  season. 

December  25th.  This  does  not  seem  like  Christmas. 
It  is  only  with  an  effort  that  I  can  make  myself  feel  that 
this  is  the  same  holy  festival  to  which  I  have  always 
looked  forward  with  so  much  pleasure;  and  now  I  can- 
not bear  to  think  of  the  Holy  Cross,  as  the  remembrance 
of  our  festival  joys  only  excites  feelings  of  regret.  I  hope 
that  the  girls  of  the  school,  and  all  my  parishioners  will 
pass  a  merrie  and  happy  day.  The  English  Chapel  was 
opened  for  morning  and  evening  service,  and  attended  by 
good  congregations.  I  must  here  express  my  dissatis- 
faction at  the  mode  of  conducting  the  Communion  Ser- 
vice. There  seems  to  be  no  rule  or  custom  as  to  the 
postures,  the  majority  of  the  congregation  kneeling  or 
sitting  during  the  exhortations  and  the  reading  of  the 
Gloria  in  Excelsis.  I  was  moreover  shocked  by  the  ir- 
reverence of  the  officiating  priests,  who  allowed  the  con- 
secrated bread,  which  they  had  carelessly  dropped,  to  lie 
on  the  floor  of  the  chancel.    The  stores  are  all  closed,  as 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


195 


the  festival  is  observed  as  Sunday.  December  26th.  The 
stores  closed.    28th.    Breakfast  on  board  the  Cumberland. 

185 1.  Januar}^  ist.  How  little  we  know  of  the  future! 
Little  did  I  think  as  I  was  "  watching  "  last  January,  that 
before  the  year  passed  around  I  should  be  here  in  Naples. 
How  foolish  and  presumptuous  to  make  any  anticipations, 
when  we  cannot  with  all  our  shrewdness  tell  what  a  day 
may  bring  forth!  I  almost  dread  entering  upon  this  year, 
but  with  sincerity  I  say  "  My  times  are  in  God's  hand," 
and  I  am  ready  for  all  events  and  any  contingency. 
Could  we  only  live  for  eternity,  how  easily  we  could  pass 
through  life  to  the  grave!  Wherever  we  are  we  are  in 
God's  sight.  How  great  the  importance  of  each  suc- 
cessive year  when  we  consider  eternity! 

A  high  festival  with  the  R.  C.'s.  Our  Church  is  not 
open.  The  stores  are  all  closed.  There  was  some  visit- 
ing among  the  Americans. 

Record  is  made  of  a  visit  to  the  museum,  espe- 
cially to  the  rooms  containing  pictures  and  inscrip- 
tions from  Pompeii  and  Herculaneum;  also  of  notes 
in  detail  about  the  "  Hopital  des  Enfans  trouves," 
where  the  party  is  conducted  by  a  very  interesting 
Sister  of  Charity." 

Religion  never  appears  under  a  more  attractive  aspect 
than  when  we  see  it  presented  to  us  in  the  humble  offices 
and  self-devotion  of  these  holy  women,  who  give  them- 
selves to  the  service  of  their  divine  Master  and  to  attend- 
ance upon  His  poor. 

January  7th.  At  the  Church  of  St.  Januarius  of  the 
Poor,  my  father  and  myself,  with  the  courier  and  a  guide, 
descended  into  the  Catacombs.  These  Catacombs  consist 
of  three  stories  communicating  with  each  other  by  steps 
cut  in  the  rock.  On  either  side  of  the  corridors  are 
shelves,  as  it  were,  on  which  bodies  of  the  dead  were  laid, 
and  furnished  with  slides  into  which  passed  stone  or 


196 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


marble  slab  fronts.  Near  the  entrance  are  three  or  more 
chapels,  in  which  are  frescoes  roughly  finished  and  now- 
much  obscured.  On  one  of  these  chapels  is  pictured  a 
saint  with  the  title  S.  Desiderius.  In  another  there  is  a 
ti»  with  A  D,;  in  another  a  picture  of  what  the  guide  called 
a  woman,  but  which  we  suppose  to  be  our  Saviour  spread- 
ing out  His  hand  to  bless.  One  of  these  frescoes  has  been 
marred  by  an  American  of  Boston,  who  has  there  cut  in 
large  letters  his  name.  What  stupidity,  for  a  man  pre- 
suming to  travel  for  information,  to  go  to  the  Catacombs, 
and  then  like  a  vandal  deliberately  set  to  work  to  destroy 
what  has  been  preserved  for  centuries,  and  is  among  the 
most  interesting  monuments  of  early  Christianity!  There 
are  pits,  which  have  been  opened,  along  the  sides  of  the 
corridor  through  which  we  passed,  that  are  full  of  bones 
and  ashes.  These  Catacombs  are  supposed  to  be  of  great 
extent,  some  maintaining  that  they  extend  to  Pozzuoli. 
L'Abbe  Romanelli  in  1792  and  1814  penetrated  very  far 
into  them,  and  on  the  first  story  found  a  Church  with 
altar,  baptistery,  etc.  He  asserts  that  his  explorations  ex- 
tended beyond  a  mile.  "  Le  clerge  Napolitain  y  celebrait 
plusieurs  fonctions,  et  celui  qui  y  etait  agrege  devait  pro- 
mettre  et  jurer  de  visiter  les  catacombes  au  moins  une 
fois  I'an." 

January  loth.  In  company  with  Mr.,  Mrs.  and  Miss 
Fanny  Russel  went  by  railroad  to  Pompeii — this  railroad, 
by  the  way,  being  so  far  behind  the  age  (we  advance  so 
rapidly  in  the  path  of  improvement  in  this  century  that 
things  very  soon  become  old)  that  it  was  almost  as  cu- 
rious to  us  as  some  of  the  antiquities  at  Pompeii  itself. 
And  it  was  a  droll  thing  to  find  yourself  in  a  railroad  car 
en  route  to  a  city  which  was  destroyed  almost  1900  years 
ago.  This  is  the  second  time  that  I  have  made  this  in- 
teresting excursion.  I  need  not  be  particular  in  recording 
what  I  saw.  One  of  the  most  extraordinary  sights  was  a 
musical  performer,  real  flesh  and  blood,  who  at  the  amphi- 
theatre, while  we  were  acting  the  audience  standing  on  the 
stone  benches,  amused  us  highly  with  his  ludicrous  imita- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


tions,  grotesque  dancing,  and  his  singing  of  national  bal- 
lads. The  whole  affair  seemed  indeed  to  be  a  poor  carica- 
ture of  what  had  once  formed  the  amusement  of  40,000 
persons.  In  their  anxiety  to  pick  up  something  antique, 
two  of  the  party  managed  to  get  possession  of  the  frag- 
ments of  pipes.  What  was  more  strange  still,  one  of  the 
bowls  of  these  pipes  actually  had  tobacco  in  it!  Mr.  R. 
thought  he  would  like  to  pull  an  orange  from  the  tree  at 
the  restaurant,  and  to  his  surprise  he  found  that  most  of 
the  golden  fruit  was  tied  on  to  the  branches.  This  restau- 
rant is  quite  an  accommodation.  On  their  card  we  read: 
"  For  Dinner  parties  address  Before  to  the  Master  of  the 
Irons  Crown  Hotel  at  Toledo  keept  by  the  Same." 

I  could  not  observe  that  there  were  many  changes  since 
I  was  here  in  1839.  Certainly  not  many  new  objects  of 
curiosity  were  presented  to  my  view.  I  should  judge  from 
this  that  the  explorations  must  proceed  very  slowly.  Dur- 
ing the  revolution  of  1848,  the  excavations  were  entirely 
suspended.  About  three  fourths  of  the  ancient  city  re- 
main to  be  uncovered.  Anything  in  the  way  of  statuary 
or  painting  that  is  now  found  at  Pompeii,  is  permitted  by 
the  King  to  remain  where  it  is. 

January  nth.  Went  to  Baias;  visiting  Pozzuoli.  Lakes 
Lucrine  and  Avernus,  the  Cave  of  the  Sibyl,  Nero's  Bath 
and  the  Temple  of  Venus.  Perhaps  there  is  no  part  of 
Italy  more  rich  in  classical  associations  than  the  region 
through  which  we  passed  on  our  excursion  today.  I  am 
not  certain  that  our  most  pleasant  reminiscences,  gathered 
up  in  the  past  among  the  recollections  of  our  schoolboy- 
days,  are  connected  with  Virgil  and  Horace  and  Cicero; 
still  there  is  no  little  satisfaction  to  see  the  "  facilis  de- 
scensus Averni,"  the  lake  so  celebrated  by  Horace  for  the 
oyster  suppers  of  his  friend  Lucullus,  and  the  remains  of 
Cicero's  villa  where  the  orator  and  philosopher  composed 
one  of  his  best  ethical  works. 

January  14th.  In  company  with  IMrs.  S.  and  i^Ir.  K.  of 
New  York  went  on  an  excursion  to  Capri.  The  weather 
not  altogether  agreeable;  there  was  a  little  breeze  and 


98 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


something  of  a  swell,  and  Mrs.  S.  was  laid  out  on  the  deck 
with  a  basin  by  her  head.  Although  it  was  rather  rough 
and  there  was  some  little  danger  of  a  ducking  or  some- 
thing worse,  I  entered  the  grotto.  The  color  of  the  water 
is  a  turquoise  blue.  During  the  five  or  ten  minutes  we 
were  in  the  grotto,  I  was  more  concerned  in  thinking  how 
we  were  to  get  out  in  case  the  wind  suddenly  rose,  than  in 
admiring  the  peculiar  hue  of  the  water.  We  were  disap- 
pointed in  not  being  permitted  to  land  on  the  island,  and 
notwithstanding  we  enjoyed  some  beautiful  views  along 
the  bay,  we  were  rather  dissatisfied  with  our  water  party. 
We  left  the  St.  Lucia  at  >^past  8  o'clock,  and  arrived  at 
Naples  on  our  return  at  5  o'clock. 

I  have  occasionally  met  in  the  streets  an  extraordinary 
looking  equipage,  a  carriage  or  coupe  painted  gaily  with 
blue  or  red  colors  and  richly  gilded.  At  first,  seeing  it  in 
the  distance,  and  only  being  able  to  observe  its  ouire  ap- 
pearance and  the  curious  fantastic  dress  of  four  little  boys 
on  the  outside  of  the  carriage,  I  supposed  it  was  a  part  of 
some  travelling  show.  I  have  at  last  found  out  that  it  is 
a  funeral  carriage  for  children.  There  is  a  rough  box 
behind  the  carriage  for  the  corpse.  I  presume  the  idea  is 
that  the  death  of  children  is  not  a  subject  of  regret  or  sor- 
row. Our  friend  Spedicato  (our  Italian  master)  informed 
us  the  other  morning  of  the  sudden  death  of  his  little  boy. 
He  said  that  he  had  taken  the  body  the  evening  before  to 
the  cemetery,  and  had  left  it  to  the  monks  to  bury  it,  as 
his  feelings  would  not  permit  him  to  be  present  at 
the  interment. 

Ladies,  very  richly  dressed,  are  sometimes  seen,  seated 
in  a  sedan  chair.  This  is  the  way  in  which  mothers  take 
their  infants  to  Church  to  be  baptized. 

2ist.  Visited  Royal  Palace.  The  throne  room  and  ball 
room  very  elegant.  The  apparatus  to  carry  the  queen 
up  to  her  parlor  is  as  comfortable  a  contrivance  as  could 
be  designed.  It  is  in  fact  a  movable  room.  Her  majesty 
has  only  to  take  five  steps  on  the  marble  pavement,  when 
she  finds  herself  in  this  little  room,  and  in  a  few  moments 


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199 


she  has  reached  her  apartment.  It  is  something  on  the 
principle  of  a  dumb-waiter. 

At  Rome  a  large  part  of  the  Journal  is  devoted 
to  the  mention  of  pictures.  Now  and  then  a  re- 
mark is  added,  as  in  the  Sistine  Chapel: 

February  15th.  I  was  not  more  impressed  by  Michael 
Angelo's  "  Last  Judgment  "  than  I  was  when  I  saw  it  for 
the  first  time  on  my  previous  visit  to  Rome.  On  looking 
at  it  you  are  more  interested  with  the  skill  of  the  painter 
in  foreshortening  and  anatomical  drawing,  than  excited  to 
fear  and  awe  by  the  consideration  of  the  subject  which  it 
depicts. 

St.  Peter's.  I  did  not  anticipate  anything  like  the  pleas- 
ure which  I  actually  received  on  entering  St.  Peter's.  My 
fondness  for  the  Gothic  style  of  architecture,  prejudiced 
me  against  it.  I  had  found  previously  all  I  had  wished  in 
the  Cathedral  at  Rouen,  and  I  did  not  expect  to  be  im- 
pressed very  seriously  by  the  grandeur  and  magnificence 
of  this  stupendous  edifice.  But  I  was  mistaken.  In  a  few 
minutes  I  began  to  feel  that  St.  Peter's  was  of  all  other 
sacred  buildings  most  worthy  of  the  service  for  which  it 
was  reared,  most  worthy  of  God's  presence.  Still  I  could 
not  forget  the  means  which  were  used  to  raise  contribu- 
tions for  its  erection,  nor  keep  out  of  mind  the  great  event 
which  grew  out  of  the  sale  of  Indulgences.  And  I  must 
confess  that  while  I  admit  that  this  magnificent  Church 
might  be  considered  as  the  Tabernacle  of  God  and  the 
abode  of  angels,  I  must  own  it  did  not  seem,  in  all  re- 
spects, fitted  for  the  worship  of  men.  It  seemed  too  much 
like  heaven,  to  breathe  more  the  spirit  of  the  Church  tri- 
umphant than  the  Church  militant.  You  miss  the  props 
and  aids  of  devotion.  The  soul  is  lost  in  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  Supreme  Glory  of  the  King  of  Kings  and  Lord 
of  Lords.  .  .  .  You  are  not  drawn  to  Jesus  Christ; 
you  behold  Him  afar  off  surrounded  by  the  dazzling  rays 


200 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


of  His  divinity.  It  is  like  standing  on  Mount  Tabor. 
We  "  wist  not  what  to  say,"  except  "  it  is  good  for  us  to 
be  here." 

Many  interesting  entries  must  be  omitted  for  lack 
of  space.  One  of  these,  however,  may  not  be 
passed  by;  it  shows  whither  the  heart  was  turning: 

From  the  Vatican  we  went  to  La  Trinita  de  Monti,  to 
hear  the  music  at  the  Vesper  service.  I  was  disappointed. 
The  music  was  very  simple  and  very  indifferently  executed 
by  a  choir  of  nuns.  It  could  in  no  way  compare  with  the 
afternoon  service  at  Holy  Cross. 

In  August,  185 1,  the  traveller  returned  from  his 
second  foreign  tour,  having  devoted  ten  months 
to  the  trip.  At  once  he  resumed  his  work  at  the 
Holy  Cross,  which  had  been  entrusted  to  other 
hands  during  his  absence. 

Agitations  and  oppositions  from  without,  were 
not  yet  over:  so  it  would  appear  from  a  story  told 
me  by  a  Trojan  parishioner. 

In  one  of  the  fifties,  about  the  time  when  Dr. 
Coit  was  called  to  St.  Paul's,  Troy,  it  happened  that 
there  was  an  informal  assemblage  of  clergy  and 
others  at  the  residence  of  Dr.  Brinsmade.  Among 
the  clerical  visitors  were  to  be  found  Dr.  Coxe, 
afterward  Bishop  of  Western  New  York;  Dr.  Coit, 
Mr.  Tucker,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  of  St.  John's. 
Talk  turned  upon  the  services  held  at  the  Holy 
Cross,  which  was  then  looked  upon  as  advanced, 
although  nowadays  it  is  considered  mild;  by  cer- 
tain objectors  it  was  still  termed  "  the  Puseyite 


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20I 


Church."  Mr.  Smith  entered  a  protest  against  the 
manner  in  which  services  were  conducted  at  the 
Holy  Cross;  addressing  himself  to  Air.  Tucker,  he 
told  him  that  he  was  driving  people  out  of  the 
Church.  The  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  turned 
and  said:  If  it  would  help  to  save  a  man's  soul,  I 
would  put  on  a  red  shirt  and  preach  from  a  hydrant 
box."  The  hydrant  box  "  of  that  day  referred  to 
a  flat-topped  square  wooden  enclosure  built  around 
each  fire-plug  standing  at  a  street  corner;  one  such 
might  be  easily  improvised  as  a  temporary  pulpit 
out  of  doors. 

A  correspondent  writes  to  the  Church  /otirnal 
in  ]\Iarch,  1853,  afYording  a  glimpse  of  a  bright 
Easter  "  at  the  Holy  Cross.  The  order  of  service 
included:  Te  Deum  2xvA  Jubilate  by  Mendelssohn; 
Anthem:  "  Behold  now,  praise  the  Lord,"  by  Nares; 
Dr.  Hodges'  Trisagion  and  Xovello's  Gloria  in 
Excelsis.     At  Evensong,  the  Anthem  was  the  solo, 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,"  with  quartets 
and  choruses  from  the  "  Messiah."  The  Versicles 
and  Responses  were  sung  as  given  in  the  Direc- 
tor ium  Chori  Anglica7tum,  "  where  the  Plain-song 
is  given — if  we  may  trust  the  compiler — harmo- 
nized according  to  primitive  purity  and  simplicity." 

In  June  of  the  same  year  Dr.  Aluhlenberg  pays 
a  visit  to  the  home  and  parish  of  his  pupil.  He 
accepts  the  position  of  preacher  for  the  anniversary 
service  of  the  Brotherhood  of  St.  Barnabas,  holden 
on  St.  Barnabas'  day,  June  11,  1853.  Many  of  the 
clergy  are  present  at  the  Holy  Cross,  and  there  is 
an  unusual  attendance  of  the  laity. 


202 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  Morning  Prayer  was  choral,  the  Service 
being  "  Nares  in  D  "  and  the  Anthem  "  Blessed  be 
Thou/'  by  Kent. 

A  few  days  later  Mr.  Tucker  is  in  line  with  other 
clergy,  upon  the  occasion  of  the  laying  of  the 
corner-stone  of  St.  John's  Church  in  Troy.  That 
there  was  need  of  a  stimulating  example  like  that 
afforded  by  the  Holy  Cross  may  be  inferred  from 
the  words  of  one  present  at  the  ceremony:  I  dis- 
like to  find  fault  when  all  were  so  well  pleased,  but 
I  must  say  that  the  efifect  of  black  coats,  mixed  with 
black  gowns,  half  and  half  in  the  procession,  was 
neither  good  nor  imposing.  It  had  a  shabby,  un- 
prepared, undecided,  private-judgment  look  about 
it." 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1854,  Mr.  Tucker  appears 
in  the  pulpit  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Albany,  as 
chosen  preacher  for  the  first  anniversary  service  of 
the  "  Church  Brotherhood  "  of  the  capital  city — 
an  organization  similar  to  that  of  St.  Barnabas 
in  Troy.  Later,  at  a  Diocesan  Convention  of 
Church  Brotherhoods,"  likewise  assembled  in  Al- 
bany, the  Rev.  J,  1.  Tucker  was  elected  President 
of  the  Convention. 

At  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Horatio  Potter, 
D.D.,  to  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  the  services  were 
held  in  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  on  the  22nd 
of  November  in  the  same  year.  In  the  published 
report  we  read  that  the  procession  entered  from 
the  South  Sacristy,  in  the  following  order:  Candi- 
dates for  Holy  Orders  and  students  of  the  General 
Theological  Seminary;  unofificiating  clergy  in  citi- 


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zens'  dress  and  in  gowns  and  surplices,  deacons 
and  clergy  officiating,  and  Bishops  in  their  robes." 
What  is  more  to  the  point,  we  note  this:  *'  In  the 
middle  of  the  choir  the  Provisional  Bishop-elect 
was  seated  facing  the  altar,  with  the  Rev.  G.  T. 
Bedell  on  his  right  and  the  Rev.  J.  I.  Tucker  on 
his  left." 

About  this  time,  at  a  Thanksgiving  office,  cele- 
brated in  the  Holy  Cross,  just  before  the  announce- 
ment of  his  text,  Air.  Tucker  told  his  congregation 
that  he  availed  himself  of  the  first  opportunity  of 
informing  them  that  he  had  declined  the  invitation 
to  accept  the  rectorship  of  St.  Peter's  parish  in 
Albany;  that  while  he  fully  appreciated  the  honor 
conferred  upon  him  by  a  call  to  one  of  the  most  in- 
portant  parishes  in  the  State,  there  to  succeed  a 
friend  who  by  reason  of  his  eminent  talents  and 
Christian  graces  had  been  thought  worthy  of  the 
high  office  of  Bishop;  yet  he  felt  that  there  were 
holy  ties  and  obligations  w'hich  bound  him  to  his 
present  position — that  there  in  the  fear  of  God, 
and  the  hope  of  His  blessing  and  the  help  of  kind 
and  sympathizing  friends,  he  should  continue  his 
ministerial  labors  until  forced  to  relinquish  them. 

Soon  after  the  consecration  of  the  new  Dioce- 
san, in  the  month  of  December,  the  Northern  Con- 
vocation assembled  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany; 
the  Provisional  Bishop  was  present  within  the  lim- 
its of  his  old  parish,  presiding  at  the  services.  At 
the  opening  Celebration  on  the  morning  of  the 
1 2th,  the  rendering  of  the  music  was  of  so  pro- 
nounced a  character  as  to  call  out  admiration.  Mr. 


204 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Tucker  had  much  to  do  with  it,  as  it  will  appear 
from  the  words  of  a  correspondent  printed  in  the 
Church  Journal : 

The  music  of  this  service  was  of  a  character,  and  per- 
formed in  a  manner,  most  worthy  of  remark.  It  is  not 
often,  or  in  many  places  within  the  bounds  of  our  com- 
munion, in  America  or  in  England,  that  a  more  proper 
style  of  music,  or  much  better  executed,  is  heard,  than 
that  of  the  Choir  of  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  of  Troy. 
At  the  urgent  solicitation  of  the  Bishop,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Tucker  and  his  competent  Organist,  Mr.  Hopkins,  gave 
the  services  of  the  Choir  of  the  Holy  Cross,  to  assist  in  St, 
Peter's  on  Tuesday  morning:  and  their  presence  in  full 
force,  was  one  of  the  most  interesting  features  of  the  oc- 
casion. The  music  was  performed  with  great  spirit  and 
fine  effect — indeed,  some  parts  of  the  service  were  per- 
fectly thrilling.  Mr.  Hopkins  presided  at  the  organ,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Tucker  and  Shackelford  in  the  Choir.  The 
music  sung  was  the  Venite,  and  9th  Selection  of  Psalms — 
chanted  responsively  in  unison — the  first  to  a  Gregorian 
tone,  the  Selection  to  Farrant's  chant;  Te  Deujn  and 
yubiiate,'^2irQS  in  D;  Old  Hundredth  in  G,  sung  in  uni- 
son. Anthem,  "  Lord,  what  love  have  I  unto  Thy  law," 
Kent.  Anthem  after  sermon:  "  The  Lord  gave  the  Word: 
great  was  the  company  of  the  preachers,"  "  How  beautiful 
are  the  feet,"  "  Their  sound  is  gone  out,  etc.,"  Handel. 
The  Trisagion,  Dr.  Hodges.  And  the  old  Gloria  ifi  Ex- 
celsis.  It  will  be  seen  that  it  was  a  judicious  blending  of 
the  congregational  and  the  cathedral  styles.  Those  who 
heard  will  never  forget,  in  this  world,  the  sweet  songs 
they  heard  in  the  sanctuary,  on  Tuesday  morning. 

On  Wednesday  the  Provisional  Bishop  held  a 
special  ordination  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  when  an 
ex-Baptist  minister  and  an  ex-Presbyterian  were 
advanced  to  the  Priesthood.    At  this  service  there 


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205 


was  a  choir  made  up  of  clerg}%  vested  in  surplices, 
who  entered  the  Church  and  ascended  to  the  organ 
loft.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Shackelford  played  the  organ. 
His  coworker  of  the  day  before  was  at  the  other 
end  of  the  Church;  the  Rev.  ^Ir.  Tucker  appear- 
ing in  the  pulpit,  where  he  preached,  as  the  paper 
phrases  it,  '*  an  admirable  as  well  as  appropriate 
discourse." 

The  instances  here  cited  will  show  the  warm  in- 
terest felt  by  the  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  in  gen- 
eral Church  work,  outside  of  the  limits  of  his  own 
parish  or  city. 


XI 


THE  BOYS'  SCHOOL 

Dr.  Muhlenberg  was  never  forgotten  by  any  of 
his  former  pupils.  On  Christmas  day  in  the  year 
1856,  a  number  of  his  sons  gathered  at  the  Church 
of  the  Holy  Communion  in  New  York,  to  take 
part  in  a  service  which  would  remind  them  of  the 
old  days  at  the  Institute  and  at  St.  Paul's  College. 
They  with  other  schoolmates  had  united  in  the  pur- 
chase of  a  picture,  The  Gospel  at  Home,"  painted 
by  Hiibner,  which  was  then  presented  to  the  ven- 
erated school-father.  The  first  name  on  the  list  of 
the  committee  having  the  matter  in  charge  is  Greg- 
ory Thurston  Bedell,  and  the  second  John  Ireland 
Tucker. 

It  has  been  remarked  that  the  Rector  of  the  Holy 
Cross  was  himself  a  witness  of  the  fashioning  handi- 
•  work  of  Dr.  Muhlenberg.  Certain  it  is  that  he  fol- 
lowed his  master  in  the  aesthetics  of  divine  service, 
in  devotion  to  music  and  the  use  of  the  art,  and  in 
his  passion  for  the  duty  of  an  educator. 

The  school  of  girls  had  been  started  before  he 
came  to  Troy;  it  was  the  backbone  of  the  undertak- 
ing. As  soon  as  the  new  Rector  arrived  upon  the 
scene,  he  entered  into  the  plan  with  eagerness.  He 
began  his  career  of  successful  service  as  a  teacher; 


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207 


he  himself  instructed,  five  or  more  hours  a  day, 
and  so  he  continued  to  do  until  the  end  of  his  life. 

After  matters  had  progressed  for  some  years,  he 
felt  that  there  ought  to  be  an  enlargement  of  the 
beneficiary  agency.  He  desired  that  boys  as  well 
as  girls  should  be  subject  to  the  guiding  influence. 

As  it  turned  out,  he  undertook  too  much.  It 
seems  to  be  a  rule  that  when  one  man  takes  up  the 
superintendency  of  two  separate  houses,  one  for 
boys,  another  for  girls,  that  one  of  the  two  must  go 
to  the  wall. 

The  ultimate  discontinuance  at  Troy  subtracted 
nothing  from  the  fact  that  the  Rector  desired  to 
render  a  full  service,  and  that  he  rounded  out  the 
plan  of  Christian  education. 

A  Boys'  School  was  commenced.  It  lasted  not 
many  years,  and  yet  its  memory  is  cherished. 
Every  now  and  then  I  hear  a  remark  about  it 
which  shows  the  affectionate  regard  bestowed 
upon  it. 

For  an  account  of  the  undertaking,  I  am  indebted 
to  one  of  the  old  boys,"  now  Rector  of  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Maiden,  Mass.  Dr.  Albert  Danker  sets 
down  his  memories;  he  kindly  grants  permission  to 
quote  from  his  manuscript: 

I  have  attended  the  Holy  Cross,  more  or  less,  since  I 
was  ten  years  old.  It  was  a  church  which  impressed  the 
young,  particularly  by  its  ritual  and  architecture,  so  dif- 
ferent from  the  other  churches  of  the  city  at  that  day,  for 
it  was  the  advance  guard  of  that  mighty  host  which  has 
spread  throughout  our  whole  land,  worshipping  the  Lord 
in  the  "  beauty  of  holiness." 


2o8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  "  Boys'  School  of  the  Holy  Cross  "  was  established 
by  Dr.  Tucker  in  1855,  as  a  first-class  institution,  to  furnish 
boys  with  an  English  and  classical  education,  fitting  them 
for  college  or  business  life.  It  lasted  four  years  only,  but 
in  that  time  sent  forth  many  a  youthful  alumnus  who 
afterward  distinguished  himself  in  trade  or  a  profession. 
It  held  its  sessions  in  the  old  Van  der  Heyden  mansion — 
on  Eighth  street,  nearly  opposite  the  Holy  Cross — de- 
stroyed in  the  great  fire  of  1862. 

How,  well  I  remember  the  dear  boyb  who  recited  to- 
gether there  during  those  pleasant  years,  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  Dr.  Tucker,  Dr.  J,  D.  Lomax,  now  Medical  Super- 
intendent of  the  Marshall  Infirmary  in  Troy,  and  others. 
The  classmates  and  fellow  pupils  of  my  youth  rise  before 
me  as  I  write,  with  their  fresh  young  faces  and  bright, 
lively  ways;  they  pass  before  my  mental  vision  as  though 
it  were  only  yesterday; — Charles  Sigourney  Knox,  and 
Hiram  Nazro,  who  afterward  bore  of?  the  highest  honors 
in  Columbia  College;  Jared  L.  Bacon,  George  M.  King, 
Le  Grand  Cramer,  Bernard  Blair,  Thomas  Brinsmade 
Heimstreet,  John  H.  Knox,  James  Knox,  Matthew  Vas- 
sar.  Palmer  Baermann,  Samuel  Tappan,  Charles  H. 
Dauchy,  J,  De  L'Orme  Reeve,  James  H.  and  Henry  Fer- 
riss,  Albert  Daggett,  Samuel  N.  Rudkin,  Charles  R.  Cross, 
Anson  G.  Gardner,  Le  Grand  Benedict,  and  my  own 
brother,  Henry  A.  Danker.  Some  of  these  beloved  com- 
rades are  waiting  their  joyful  resurrection.  Others  have 
distinguished  themselves  in  various  walks  of  life  in  Troy 
and  elsewhere. 

One  of  the  most  pleasant  features  of  our  Saturday  morn- 
ings at  the  school  was  our  dramatic  performance,  which 
seemed  to  afford  much  pleasure  to  friends  and  relatives. 
Sheridan's  "  Rivals,"  Allingham's  "  Fortune's  Frolic," 
"  The  Doom  of  the  Tory's  Guard,"  and  many  other  plays 
were  performed,  either  in  whole  or  part,  together  with 
original  dramas.  We  had  a  literary  society  with  its  paper, 
debates,  etc.,  called  the  "  Cadmean  Society,"  which  was  of 
great  benefit  to  us. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


209 


Dr.  Tucker  spent  much  time,  hearing  our  recitations 
himself.  The  boys  were  all  very  fond  of  him,  and  owe 
much  to  the  fine  taste,  critical  scholarship,  and  genial 
manner  with  which  he  imparted  instruction. 

Professor  William  Hopkins  taught  us  music  weekly.  I 
fear  we  were  a  difficult  crowd  to  teach  this  divine  art. 
One  of  our  favorite  mathematical  instructors  was  Charles 
C.  Martin,  then  a  student  at  the  "  Rensselaer  Institute," 
now  chief  engineer  of  the  famous  Brooklyn  Bridge.  C. 
Whitman  Boynton  was  another  instructor  in  the  same  de- 
partment. He  was  one  of  the  most  rapid  calculators  in 
a  problem  on  the  blackboard  I  have  ever  seen,  covering  it 
with  figures  in  a  few  moments. 

I  cannot  close  this  article  without  at  least  a  reference  to 
Mrs.  Mary  Warren  and  her  sons.  They  felt  and  expressed 
so  much  interest  in  the  Church  and  the  school  and  came 
so  often  to  our  exhibitions  that  we  felt  much  attached  to 
them.  They  always  had  a  kindly  smile  and  gentle  word 
for  all  of  us,  and  we  never  shall  forget  them,  or  the  in- 
fluence of  the  daily  morning  prayer  at  the  Holy  Cross, 
which  we  all  attended,  and  which  moulded  the  heart  and 
after  life  of  many  a  boy. 

The  noble  Warren  brothers  and  their  beloved  mother, 
Mary  Warren,  deserve  their  meed  of  honest  praise  as  well, 
for  efforts  to  introduce  and  popularize  all  the  ancient  and 
time-honored  customs  of  the  Anglican  communion  con- 
nected throughout  the  ages  of  the  past  with  the  grand 
old  feast,  the  Birthday  of  the  Blessed  Christ.  Dear  Dr. 
Tucker  and  the  brothers  Dr.  Nathan  and  Stephen  Warren 
have  done  more  than  most  of  their  contemporaries  thus 
to  revive,  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  those  quaint  and 
beautiful  observances  and  customs  which  our  own  charm- 
ing Washington  Irving  has  immortalized  in  his  "  Sketch 
Book." 

It  was  reserved  for  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  to  in- 
augurate a  revival  of  the  rites  of  olden  time,  which  trans- 
ported the  young  beholder  back  to  those  noble  days  of  the 
Church  of  England,  when,  as  Sir  Walter  Scott  has  written, 


14 


2IO 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Domestic  and  religious  rite 
Gave  honor  to  the  Holy  Night. 

My  Holland  ancestry  had  trained  me  to  appreciate 
peculiarly  this  revival  in  the  Episcopal  Church  of  ancient 
customs,  ceremonies  and  traditions  of  '*  Merrie  England  " 
in  days  of  yore;  as  the  Yule  log,  the  Mummers  and 
Maskers,  Lord  of  Misrule,  the  "  Boar's  Head  Carol,"  and 
"  The  Good  St.  Nicholas,"  also  the  Christmas  table  smok- 
ing with  good  old  plum  pudding,  mince  pie,  furmity  and 
many  another  dish  which  the  ancient  Puritans  proscribed 
and  ordered  to  be  abolished  in  the  endeavor  to  rule  Christ- 
mas with  its  sports  and  pastimes  out  of  the  calendar. 

Our  Boys'  School  always  had  a  special  celebration  of 
their  own  in  the  school-house  on  Eighth  street.  Here 
during  Christmas  week  Dr.  Tucker  had  an  appropriate 
stage  erected  with  curtain  and  scenery,  and  the  boys 
performed  "  St.  George  and  the  Dragon,"  "  Bombastes 
Furioso,"  and  other  plays  and  burlesques  suitable  to  the 
season,  to  the  great  delight  apparently  of  our  admiring 
friends. 

Later  on,  in  the  years  after  this  building  was  burned 
and  the  school  was  closed,  the  good  doctor  and  myself, 
then  in  deacon's  orders,  and  assisting  him  in  the  Church, 
arranged  a  series  of  Christmas  plays  and  pastimes  in  the 
"  Mary  Warren  Institute"  in  imitation  of  the  olden  sports, 
masking  and  mumming  in  the  ancient  baronial  halls  of  old 
England. 

Most  laughable  and  amusing  was  this  entertainment  to 
the  crowd  of  children  and  friends  who  filled  the  building. 
What  screams  of  laughter  greeted  the  breaking  asunder  by 
accident  of  the  "  Guyascutus,"  the  strange  animal  with  a 
head  at  both  ends  of  his  body,  and  the  discovery  thus  of 
the  two  young  fellows  within  who  guided  the  creature's 
movements!  And  what  a  wonderful  giant  Mr.  Wagstaflf, 
the  sexton,  made  with  a  false  face  elevated  far  up  in  the  air 
upon  a  pole,  draped  with  a  concealing  cloak,  and  whose 
advent  in  the  hall  caused  some  of  us  actually  to  grow  pale 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


211 


with  affright  at  our  own  creation,  like  the  monster  in 
Shelley's  "  Frankenstein  "  ! 

Then  followed  the  festal  banquet,  where  the  tables 
groaned  with  the  viands,  plum  pudding,  roast  goose  and 
all  the  mediaeval  delicacies  which  Dr.  and  Stephen  Warren 
had  hospitably  served  with  the  generosity  of  the  ancient 
lord  of  the  manor. 

As  may  well  be  imagined,  the  establishment  of 
the  Boys'  School  brought  an  additional  tax  upon  the 
time  and  strength  of  the  Rector,  as  well  as  a  heavy 
drain  upon  his  financial  resources.  Dr.  Lomax 
writes : 

Although  the  school  was  called  a  pay-school,  a  very 
large  number  of  pupils  received  their  tuition  free.  In  fact, 
in  every  instance  where  it  was  known  to  the  Rector  that 
the  circumstances  of  the  parents  were  such  that  they  could 
not  pay,  the  bills  were  sent  to  them  receipted,  and  those 
who  paid  no  attention  to  the  bills  were  never  reminded  of 
their  indebtedness.  The  income  from  tuition  was  there- 
fore very  small.  Indeed  I  do  not  believe  it  was  at  any 
time  sufficient  to  meet  half  of  the  expenses  of  the  school. 
To  carry  on  an  educational  institution  of  the  character  of 
the  Boys'  School  of  the  Holy  Cross,  involved  no  small 
outlay  of  money.  Many  of  the  pupils  not  only  received 
their  tuition  without  charge,  but  they  were  even  furnished 
with  text  books,  copy  books,  slates — in  fact  with  whatever 
they  required  in  pursuing  their  studies.  The  cost  of  these 
things  during  the  term  formed  a  considerable  sum.  The 
deficit  at  the  end  of  the  year  was  paid  by  the  Rector,  and 
no  matter  how  large  it  was,  it  was  always  paid  cheerfully. 

Further,  Dr.  Lomax  refers  to  the  Rector  as  a 
"  very  careful  teacher.  He  was  progressive,  and 
never  hesitated  to  change  his  methods  when  he 


212 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


became  convinced  that  others  were  better.  He 
used  the  most  approved  text-books,  some  of  which 
he  had  imported  expressly  for  his  school/' 

He  was  very  popular  with  his  pupils.  I  do  not  believe 
that  there  was  ever  a  boy  in  the  school  who  did  not  respect 
him,  and  whose  good  feeling  he  did  not  have. 

As  an  associate,  Dr.  Tucker  was  just  and  considerate. 
He  was  always  cheerful,  apparently  looking  on  the  bright 
side.  He  was  even-tempered  to  a  very  remarkable  de- 
gree. During  the  five  years  I  was  with  him  in  the  school, 
I  never  saw  him  lose  his  mental  equipoise  even  for  one 
moment.  Our  relations  were  always  of  the  most  cordial 
character. 

The  assistant  teacher  retires  from  the  school; 
his  principal  writes  him: 

Lenox,  August  29,  1859. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Lomax: 

In  a  batch  of  letters  waiting  me  here,  I  found  one  from 
you  informing  me  of  your  determination  to  retire  from 
your  position  in  the  school  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

You  do  not  tell  me  what  are  the  circumstances  which 
lead  you  to  the  determination.  Whatever  they  may  be,  I 
regret  most  heartily  that  anything  should  disturb  our 
pleasant  relations  and  deprive  me  of  your  valuable  co- 
operation, and  would  be  most  glad  could  I  induce  you 
to  reconsider  the  matter  and  direct  you  to  different  deci- 
sion. But  I  am  not  so  selfish  as  to  wish  you  to  do  any- 
thing which  might  interfere  with  your  interests.  I  am 
anxious  on  the  other  hand  to  promote  your  welfare.  Still 
it  is  a  grievous  thing  to  me  to  think  of  your  leaving  the 
school,  for  I  know  not  how  I  can  supply  your  place. 
Possibly  your  determination  may  tempt  me  to  abandon 
the  Boys'  School.  However,  I  do  not  mention  this  to 
influence  your  conduct.  You  are  bound  to  consider  your- 
self and  future  career,  and  not  my  wishes  and  wants. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


213 


I  expect  to  return  to  Troy  on  Saturday,  and  should  be 
happy  to  find  there  a  letter  containing  more  full  informa- 
tion as  to  your  plans.  In  the  meanwhile  believe  me  as 
ever, 

Most  affectionately  yours 

J.  Ireland  Tucker. 

Mr.  J.  D.  Lomax. 

There  was  a  difficulty  about  the  finding  of  a  suit- 
able person  to  take  Dr.  Lomax's  place,  and  with- 
out increase  of  expenditure.  At  any  rate,  the  school 
never  reopened.  The  enlarged  attention  bestowed 
upon  the  other  school  by  the  Rector  gave  indica- 
tion of  the  fact  that  he  had  not  changed  his  opinion 
about  the  importance  of  Church  education. 


XII 


THE  LATER  FIFTIES 

A  series  of  old  scrap-books  has  come  to  hand, 
filled  with  cuttings  collected  years  ago  at  Troy  by 
the  Rector;  many  of  these  refer  to  the  Holy  Cross 
and  the  Mary  Warren  Institute. 

There  is  one — undated,  but  presumably  belong- 
ing to  the  year  1856 — which  furnishes  a  record 
of  happenings  at  the  time.  The  Editor  of  the 
Church  Journal  prefaces  the  printed  correspond- 
ence with  his  own  remark,  "  At  a  distance  from  the 
city,  perhaps  Troy  will  furnish  as  choice  a  specimen 
of  Christmas  celebration  as  can  be  found  "  : 

On  Christmas  eve,  at  about  dusk,  the  Christmas  Tree, 
sparkling  with  a  hundred  wax  lights  among  the  boughs, 
was  unveiled  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Warren,  and  shone 
in  the  eyes  of  seventy  or  eighty  children,  mostly  the  or- 
phan inmates  of  the  school  founded  by  their  munificent 
entertainer.  Carols  were  sung,  and  congratulations  were 
exchanged,  and  happy  with  gifts  and  enjoyment,  the  little 
ones  went  home  delighted. 

At  midnight  precisely  the  chimes  began  their  merry 
noise  from  the  tower  of  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross, 
and  kept  it  up  with  varying  changes  for  half  an  hour: 
and  then,  in  the  clear  moonlight  and  the  mild  atmosphere 
of  this  December,  a  lusty  choir  of  singers  filled  the  streets 
with  their  resounding  Carols,  beginning  under  the  win- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


215 


dows  of  the  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  and  thence  extending 
their  visits  to  others  also.  This  charming  feature  of 
Christmas  celebration,  will,  we  trust,  spread  as  fast  and 
as  far  as  the  Christmas  Tree. 

At  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  on  Christmas  Day, 
there  was  full  choral  service,  the  Venite  and  Psalter  being 
sung  to  the  grand  old  Gregorians,/wr^.  The  sermon  was 
preached  by  a  clergyman  visiting  the  city  from  New 
York.  The  Anthem  was  "  For  unto  us "  from  the 
"  Messiah,"  and  was  well  done;  as  were  also  the  Te 
Deum,  Jubilate  and  Gloria  i?t  Excelsis  of  Ouseley. 
The  whole  day's  service  was  delightful  in  the  highest 
degree. 

Here  is  a  counterpart  of  the  foregoing — a  cutting 
taken  from  the  Troy  Daily  Times — which  gives 
account  of  an  Easter  celebration,  probably  in  the 
year  1857.  From  the  record  it  will  appear  that 
Plain-song  was  still  in  the  ascendant,  that  its  value 
had  been  appreciated  after  full  trial.  It  will  be 
seen  also  that  music  of  the  highest  grade  was 
adopted  as  an  integral  part  of  divine  service.  The 
reporter  says : 

At  this  Church  the  ancient  custom  of  decorating  the 
altar  at  Easter  with  the  early  flowers  of  spring,  is  con- 
tinued. The  collection  yesterday,  considering  the  earli- 
ness  of  the  season,  was  remarkably  beautiful.  It  is  a  long 
time  since  we  have  feasted  our  eyes  on  so  many  beautiful 
flowers  in  one  collection. 

All  the  services  were  choral  throughout;  and  were  per- 
formed with  the  skill  for  which  the  choir  of  this  Church 
is  celebrated.  At  the  11  o'clock  service  a  Choral  Litany 
was  performed,  and  an  appropriate  sermon  preached  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Tucker;  after  which  the  Holy  Communion 
was  administered. 

The  large  double  choir  of  this  Church  performed  the 


2l6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


morning  and  evening  choral  service  throughout  with  ad- 
mirable effect.  The  Responses,  both  morning  and  even- 
ing, together  with  the  Easter  Anthem  "  Christ  our  Pass- 
over," were  taken  from  the  "  Plain-song  of  the  Church"; 
the  Proper  Psalms,  both  morning  and  evening,  from 
"  Helmore's  Plain-song";  the  Te  Deuin  and  Jubilate  at 
morning  service,  and  the  Cantate  and  Deus  at  evening 
service,  from  the  music  of  Joseph  Corfe.  But  the  crowning 
glory  of  these  rich  musical  services,  was  the  grand  "  Hal- 
lelujah Chorus  "  from  Handel's  Oratorio  of  the  Messiah 
— a  work  trying  to  the  best  of  Church  choirs,  and  even 
to  more  extensive  musical  bodies;  and  the  admirable  pro- 
duction of  which  reflects  the  greatest  credit  upon  the  able 
organist  of  the  Holy  Cross,  and  the  efficient  choir  under 
his  management.  We  must  say  that  we  think  the  Plain- 
song  particularly  adapted  to  congregational  chanting.  We 
hope  to  see  it  more  generally  introduced. 

The  last  remark  will  show  an  intelligent  interest 
in  the  matter,  which  in  these  days  is  not  customary 
on  the  part  of  a  secular  reporter.  Nevertheless, 
the  narrator  is  inclined  to  look  on  the  whole  busi- 
ness as  a  "  performance,"  and  he  so  phrases  it. 
But  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  function  was  planned 
and  carried  out  as  an  act  of  praise  to  Almighty 
God. 

The  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  had  a  care  for 
matters  of  general  concern  outside  of  parish  limi- 
tations. We  have  found  him  already  officiating 
at  services  of  the  Church  Choral  Society  held  in 
New  York  City.  It  was  a  custom  with  him  to  visit 
his  neighbors  and  be  present — anywhere  within 
reach — upon  special  occasions,  such  as  the  laying 
of  a  corner-stone,  at  a  confirmation  or  ordination 
service,  or  the  meeting  of  a  convocation. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


217 


!Mr.  Tucker  showed  strong  interest  in  the  "  Broth- 
erhood of  St.  Barnabas,"  a  general  Church  or- 
ganization devoted  to  works  of  benevolence,  to  the 
giving  of  help  in  sickness  and  for  burial,  and  to  the 
support  of  a  "  Church  Asylum  "  in  the  city  of  Troy. 
3klany  special  services,  participated  in  by  the  as- 
sembled brotherhood,  were  held  in  the  Church  of 
the  Holy  Cross.  We  read  of  a  sixth  anniversary, 
holden  on  the  Feast-day  of  St.  Barnabas,  in  one  of 
the  later  fifties,  when  Dr.  Cooke  of  St.  Bartholo- 
mew's, Xew  York,  was  the  preacher,  and  when  the 
annual  report  was  read  by  the  Rev.  John  Scar- 
borough, then  deacon  of  St.  Paul's,  Troy. 

In  the  summer  of  1858  the  Rector  of  the  Holy 
Cross  received  from  his  alma  mater  the  degree 
SacrcB  TheologicB  Doctor. 

Bearing  the  new  honor,  he  comes  into  promi- 
nence in  August  of  the  same  year  as  preacher  at 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Troy,  upon  the  occasion  when 
the  Rev.  John  Scarborough — now  Bishop  of  New 
Jersey — is  advanced  to  the  Order  of  Priests.  The 
Rt.  Rev.  Horatio  Potter  is  in  charge.  Alany  visit- 
ing clergy  are  present.  There  is  a  quartet  choir  in 
the  gallery,  which  sings  How  beautiful  upon  the 
mountains  "  as  an    opening  piece." 

The  preacher  had  chosen  for  his  subject  The 
Polity  and  ^Ministry  of  the  Church."  He  referred 
to  the  polity  as  outward  and  visible,  arguing  that 
its  facts  must  be  determined  by  the  Bible  record, 
with  the  assistance  of  such  light  as  is  thrown  upon 
the  subject  by  profane  history."  After  reviewing 
the  statements  made  about  the  ministry  of  the 


2l8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Apostolic  Church,  he  gave  attention  to  the  period 
of  the  Reformation.  In  the  address  to  the  candi- 
date, the  preacher  said: 

It  is  but  natural,  I  would  repeat,  but  proper  that  you 
should  associate  high  thoughts,  and  glorious  anticipations 
with  the  holy  office  to  which  you  seek  to  be  admitted. 
You  "  have  used  the  office  of  a  Deacon  well,"  and  "  pur- 
chased to  yourself  a  good  degree."  But  with  that  degree 
— that  promotion  in  the  Church  of  Christ  to  which  you 
aspire — remember,  is  bound  up  by  apostolic  injunction 
'*  great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 
As  you  prize,  then,  the  good  degree  to  which  you  have 
attained  by  your  faithfulness  in  a  lower  grade  of  your 
ministry,  be  bold  "  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 
Be  bold  in  preaching  the  truths  of  His  holy  Gospel,  bold 
in  maintaining  the  use  and  the  dignity  of  His  sacred  in- 
stitutions. Let  me  affectionately  urge  you  never — through 
a  cowardly  concession  to  expediency,  or  at  the  dictate  of 
a  selfish  policy — to  shrink  from  an  open  and  uncom- 
promising profession  of  your  religious  principles;  of  your 
real,  earnest  convictions  of  truth,  of  right  and  of  duty. 
"  Let  no  man  despise  thee  "  or  thy  office  for  a  base  com- 
pliance with  error,  and  the  violation  of  the  most  solemn 
vows. 

Two  days  after  the  ordination  the  Rector  had  a 
slight  experience  of  them  that  break  through  and 
steal.  Upon  a  Friday  night,  the  Church  of  the 
Holy  Cross  was  entered  by  burglars,  who  broke 
open  the  alms  chest,  carrying  off — as  the  reporter 
expressed  it — no  one  can  say  how  much  gold,  sil- 
ver, and  copper,  also  surplices,  stoles,  and  other 
matters.  The  same  reporter  entered  into  argu- 
ment: 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


219 


It  is  but  fair  to  presume  that  the  robbers  were  not 
Ecclesiologists,  and  were,  therefore,  possibly  deceived  by 
the  iron  bands  and  the  multiplicity  of  locks,  into  the  idea 
that  the  well  secured  chest  contained  great  treasures.  A 
taste  for  Mediasvalism  may  thus  expose  a  parish  to  other 
attacks  than  those  of  "  the  brethren  "  who  are  opposed  to 
the  revival  or  imitation  of  middle-aged  Christianity,  even 
in  the  shape  and  decorations  of  an  alms  chest.  Perhaps 
to  put  temptation  out  of  the  way  of  thieves,  it  would  be 
well  to  have  it  understood  that  these  boxes  for  alms  are 
opened  every  month.  The  burglars  complimented  the 
attendants  at  Holy  Cross,  by  supposing  that  they  were 
liberal  in  their  alms;  and  in  return  they  ought  to  be  held 
up  as  an  example  to  all  other  Church  robbers  for  the 
decency  in  which  they  carried  on  their  depredations. 
Nothing,  I  am  happy  to  say,  was  injured  by  the  thieves 
through  mere  maliciousness. 

On  the  1st  of  March,  1859,  ^^e  Missionary  Con- 
vocation of  Northern  New  York  assembled  in  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  thirty-six  of  the  clergy' 
being  in  attendance.  As  upon  other  occasions,  the 
records  of  the  time  speak  of  the  music  as  note- 
worthy, in  particular  the  Plain-song  as  hearty 
and  spirited." 

The  session  is  memorable  as  taking  action  about 
a  sad  loss  which  had  come  to  the  Rector  and  people 
of  the  Holy  Cross,  and  which  was  felt  by  multitudes 
in  Troy  and  elsewhere.  A  resolution  was  adopted, 
unanimously,  giving  expression  to  the  feeling  called 
out  by  the  recent  death  of  Mrs.  Mary  Warren. 

One  Sunday  in  the  following  month,  Bishop 
Horatio  Potter  paid  a  visit  to  the  Holy  Cross, 
confirming  fourteen  candidates;  it  was  the  second 
Confirmation  within  the  year,  which  showed  thirty- 


220 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


three  in  all  as  a  portion  of  the  fruits  of  faithful  la- 
bor. At  the  end  of  his  sermon  the  Bishop  spoke 
touchingly  of  the  peculiar  loss  that  had  come  to 
the  parish.  He  dwelt  upon  the  virtues  of  Mrs. 
Warren,  Founder  of  the  Holy  Cross.  He  was 
surrounded  by  the  sad  memorials  of  her  departure 
from  among  the  living;  but  there  were  grander 
memorials  still  to  recall  her  charity  and  devotion — 
the  very  walls  of  that  Church  were  her  monument. 
The  Bishop  spoke  of  the  kindness  of  Mrs.  Warren, 
in  particular,  to  the  clergy;  of  her  zeal  and  benevo- 
lence, and  said  that  the  effects  of  her  holy  example 
were  to  be  seen  in  places  far  distant  from  the  scenes 
which  witnessed  her  pious  works  of  faith  and  love. 
There  were  many  weeping  ones  in  the  crowded 
congregation  when  the  Bishop  delivered  his  eulogy. 

Soon  there  was  another  sad  burial,  at  Burlington, 
New  Jersey,  fittingly  associated  in  time  with  the 
loss  of  Mrs.  Warren.  The  body  of  the  noble- 
hearted  Bishop  Doane  of  New  Jersey  was  laid  to 
rest  in  the  green  God's  acre  which  surrounds  the 
impressive  St.  Mary's  Church. 

We  read  about  the  solemn  beauty  of  that  Wed- 
nesday in  Easter  week,  when  the  extended  line  of 
vested  clergy  wound  along  the  margin  of  "  River- 
side " — "  on  the  left,  the  broad,  hashing  surface  of 
the  Delaware,  with  its  moving  sails,  seen  through 
the  trunks  of  the  new-leafed  trees,  among  the 
branches  of  which  the  birds  were  making  music  as 
merrily  as  if  there  were  no  grief  below."  The  body 
of  the  much  loved  Bishop,  covered  by  a  purple 
pall,  was  borne  by  the  faithful  all  the  way  from 


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221 


Riverside  into  the  choir  of  St.  Mary's  Church. 
Afterward  in  the  churchyard,  when  the  great  com- 
pany gathered  around  the  open  grave,  Doctor 
Tucker  had  a  place  in  the  memorable  scene.  The 
sentence,  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,"  was  sung 
by  three  priests — the  Rev.  Messrs.  Pecke  and 
Shackelford  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker.  The  music 
sung  was  a  Trio  adapted  from  Mozart's  Requiem. 
The  three  voices  blended  in  a  fine  balance  of  har- 
mony; the  sounds,  swelling  and  dying  away  in  the 
open  air,  gave  exquisite  expression  to  the  feelings 
of  the  grief-stricken  multitude. 

During  the  year,  an  important  enlargement  had 
been  efifected  in  the  fabric  of  the  Church  at  Troy. 
Then  was  built  the  picturesque  tower  which  now 
stands  as  a  landmark,  also  the  spacious  ante-chapel 
which  added  much  to  the  seating  capacity  as  well 
as  the  architectural  effect  of  the  building. 

The  extension  had  been  contemplated  by  the 
founder.  After  she  had  gone,  the  plan  was  car- 
ried out  by  her  children.  The  purpose  is  inscribed 
upon  a  stone  tablet  let  into  the  west  wall:  "This 
Church,  free  to  all  people,  was  founded  by  Mary, 
widow  of  Nathan  Warren,  A.D.,  MDCCCXLIV. 
The  Ante-Chapel,  contemplated  by  the  founder,  was 
built  by  her  children  as  a  memorial  of  their  vener- 
ated mother,  who  on  the  VIII  day  of  February, 
A.D.,  MDCCCLIX,  in  the  LXX  year  of  her  age, 
entered  into  that  rest  which  remaineth  tc  the  peo- 
ple of  God." 

Together  with  the  rectory,  built  two  years  ear- 
lier, the  structure  now  presented  an  imposing  front- 


222 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


age  of  eighty-three  feet.  The  material  was  solid, 
the  construction  permanent:  blue  stone  in  the  walls, 
a  checkered  stone  pavement  within,  Aubigne  stone 
in  piers,  arches,  and  window  tracery.  A  screen  of 
wood  carved  in  open-work  was  put  in  place  between 
ante-chapel  and  nave — the  earliest  example  of  the 
sort  within  the  limits  of  the  American  Church.  A 
great  rose  window  was  inserted  as  a  memorial  of 
the  foundress.  The  figures  in  this  and  the  other 
window  lights  formed  the  subjects  of  informal  in- 
structions, delivered  by  Doctor  Tucker  to  the  girls 
of  his  school. 

Like  the  original  structure,  the  improvements 
were  designed  by  Dr.  N.  B.  Warren,  who  had  re- 
ceived a  suggestion  from  the  ante-chapel  of  New 
College  in  Oxford. 

The  first  service  held  in  the  re-opened  Church 
was  one  of  mourning  for  a  close  friend  and  a  faith- 
ful co-worker.  It  was  a  year  of  sorrows;  three 
times  the  dark  messenger  had  come  to  the  intimate 
circle  of  those  dear  to  the  Rector  and  his  people. 

Harriette  Louise,  wife  of  Edmund  Schriver,  was 
the  only  daughter  of  Mrs.  Mary  Warren;  the  child 
had  walked  in  the  footsteps  of  her  sainted  mother. 
Like  her,  she  went  about  doing  good,  and  main- 
tained a  lively  interest  in  school  and  Church. 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  15th  of  December, 
Mrs.  Schriver  drove  to  the  Holy  Cross,  where  she 
entered  the  tower  and  watched  the  hoisting  up  into 
its  place  of  the  last  bell  of  the  chime.  Much  work 
remained  to  be  done  about  the  building;  as  Mrs. 
Schriver  left  she  made  the  remark,    I  do  not  think 


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223 


it  will  be  possible  to  have  the  Church  opened  for 
service  on  Sunday." 

The  visitor  returned  to  her  sleigh.  In  the  de- 
scent of  the  hill  the  horse  became  restive;  as  he 
turned  a  corner  he  appeared  to  start  upon  a  run; 
Mrs.  Schriver  jumped  from  the  sleigh  and  was 
dashed  against  the  icy  ground.  She  was  carried 
into  the  house  of  a  physician,  but  before  husband 
or  brother  could  reach  her,  her  earthly  life  was 
done. 

On  the  following  Sunday  the  Burial  Office  was 
said  at  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  Doctor 
Tucker  wrote  about  the  occasion : 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Coit,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Twing,  Mul- 
chahey,  Potter  and  Scarborough  were  with  me  on  that 
solemn  occasion,  to  express,  along  with  many  others, 
their  sympathy. 

After  the  Lesson,  I  informed  the  congregation,  that  we 
had  selected  that  very  day  for  the  re-opening  service  of 
the  Church — had  requested  Bishop  Potter  to  be  with  us 
on  an  occasion  of  so  much  interest  to  all  who  were  fa- 
miliar with  the  history  of  the  parish — and  that  a  com- 
pliance with  our  request  had  only  been  prevented  by 
previous  appointments.  ''This,"  I  said  in  some  such 
words  as  these,  "  is  our  opening  service.  And  could  there 
be  one  more  solemn  and  impressive;  one  better  fitted  to 
promote  the  glory  of  God  by  making  all  of  us  who  are 
here  today,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  uncer- 
tainty of  human  life,  and  of  the  necessity  of  watchfulness 
and  diligence  in  the  performance  of  our  religious  obliga- 
tions? " 

I  then  read,  as  most  expressive  of  my  own  feelings, 
from  a  letter  of  condolence  addressed  to  me  by  Bishop 
Potter. 


224 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  sad  service  was  held  on  the  Fourth  Sunday 
in  Advent.  Upon  the  Christmas  day  following 
immediately  after,  Doctor  Tucker  preached  a  ser- 
mon, which  has  been  published  in  pamphlet  form; 
it  is  headed  "  Christmas  Consolations  for  the  Sor- 
rowful." 

After  dwelling  upon  the  fact  that  "  the  good  tid- 
ings of  great  joy  "  and  the  full  chorus  of  the  celes- 
tial choirs  were  associated  with  the  gloom  of  night, 
he  went  on  to  say: 

May  there  not  be  something  congenial  with  Christmas 
tidings  and  Christmas  joys,  in  that  stillness  and  gloomi- 
ness of  the  soul,  when  gladsome  hymns  and  friendly 
greetings  sound  "  like  songs  in  the  night  when  a  holy 
solemnity  is  kept,"  and  as  the  clouds  of  affliction  hang 
heavy,  shutting  out  all  signs  of  worldly  festivity,  heaven 
seems  to  be  nearer  and  God's  words  reach  us  in  tones 
more  clear?    .    .  . 

If  ever,  one  might  think,  a  messenger  from  heaven 
would  be  greeted  as  the  bringer  of  good  tidings,  it  would 
be  when  all  the  beauty  and  glory  of  life  is  covered  over 
with  a  drapery  of  sorrow.    .    .  . 

One  present  at  the  service  tells  me  what  an  effort 
it  was  for  Doctor  Tucker,  overcome  by  his  own 
sorrow,  to  deliver  this  sermon.  At  times  he  would 
break  down,  almost  sobbing.  So  it  was,  toward 
the  end  of  his  sermon,  when  he  struggled  to  say: 

I  love  to  think  here  amid  these  signs  of  Christ's  pres- 
ence and  glory,  of  one  who  was  very  dear  to  me  and 
others,  and  dear  to  most  of  those  who  now  are  before  me 
— of  one  who  was  here  in  the  morning,  and  in  a  few 
minutes  after  leaving  this  house  of  Prayer  was  sud- 


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225 


denly  by  angels  conducted  into  Paradise,  .  .  .  With 
mind  and  heart  now  full  of  Jesus,  the  Incarnate  Saviour, 
I  love  to  speak  of  her,  who  so  unexpectedly  was  parted 
from  friends  on  earth,  to  join  her  friends  in  eternity, — 
who,  in  an  instant,  passed  from  the  threshold  of  the 
temple  into  the  special  abode  of  the  Divine  Presence. 

Among  the  names  of  clergy,  present  at  the  sad 
funeral,  appears  that  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Potter,  intro- 
duced by  one  of  the  newspapers  of  the  day  as  "  the 
son  of  the  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania."  The  Rev. 
Henry  C.  Potter,  now  Bishop  of  New  York,  had 
entered  upon  the  rectorship  of  St.  John's  Church  in 
Troy.  Soon  the  young  Rector  found  himself  sub- 
ject to  the  attraction,  the  winning  way  of  Doctor 
Tucker.  The  two  became  friends  and  then  com- 
panions; they  travelled  together  upon  certain  sum- 
mer journeys.  Bishop  Potter's  own  remembrance 
of  the  period  will  be  given. 

One  thing  remains  to  be  mentioned  in  connec- 
tion with  an  eventful  year.  It  was  a  quite  usual 
occurrence  for  the  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  to  be 
"  called  "  to  some  other  field  of  labor.  Upon  dif- 
ferent occasions  he  was  asked  ?nd  urged  to  accept 
the  rectorship  of  influential  parishes. 

Beside  these,  there  came  at  least  the  suggestion 
of  another  line  of  duty.  At  the  Second  Annual 
Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Minnesota,  assembled 
on  the  Feast  of  St.  Peter,  the  chief  business  was 
the  election  of  a  Bishop.  Upon  the  first  ballot,  the 
Rev.  John  Ireland  Tucker,  D.D.,  was  nominated  by 
the  clergy,  by  a  large  majority  of  votes.  The  timid 
laymen  failed  to  confirm,  by  a  vote  of  10  to  11. 
re 


226  DOCTOR  TUCKER 

Again  the  clergy  nominated  upon  a  second  ballot; 
again  the  laymen  rejected  by  the  majority  of  a 
single  vote.  Afterward,  by  a  correspondent  of  the 
Church  Journal^  it  was  asserted  that  two  of  the  lay 
voters  did  not  possess  the  right  of  suffrage.  By 
that  time,  however,  the  Rev.  Henry  B.  Whipple 
had  received  the  election.  The  result  was  no  doubt 
a  relief  to  the  parson  dwelling  upon  Mount  Ida, 
for  he  had  declined  offered  positions  showing 
stronger  attractions  than  the  Diocese  in  a  new 
land. 


XIII 


BISHOP  POTTER'S  REMINISCENCE- 
ELECTION  OF  THE  FIRST  BISHOP 
OF  ALBANY 

The  beginning  of  the  sixties  has  been  described 
by  a  participant.  Not  long  ago  the  Bishop  of 
New  York  kindly  gave  his  impressions  reminis- 
cent of  a  time  when  the  future  Bishop  began  to  be 
a  neighbor  of  the  Pastor  of  the  Holy  Cross.  The 
Bishop  said: 

My  acquaintance  began  when  I  became  Rector  of  St. 
John's  Church,  Troy,  in  1859.  Doctor  Tucker  had  then 
been  in  Troy  some  fifteen  years;  he  had  already  made 
large  place  in  the  affections  of  the  people,  overcoming  the 
original  prejudices  which  many  had  entertained. 

My  first  impressions  of  him  were  those  of  a  very  young 
man,  barely  of  age,  who  was  daily  surprised  by  the  cour- 
tesy and  kindly  interest  of  a  man  greatly  older  than  him- 
self. I  was  frequently  indebted  to  him  for  assistance 
in  the  services  of  the  Church,  and  always  for  the  most 
generous  encouragement  in  all  intellectual  work  and  in 
the  problems  which  saluted  the  inexperienced  stripling 
in  charge  for  the  first  time  of  a  parish  of  considerable 
importance.  Our  relations  became  more  intimate,  and 
once  or  twice  during  my  seven  years'  residence  in  Troy, 
we  spent  part  of  our  summer  vacations  together  in  travel. 
We  were  members  of  a  literary  and  social  club,  to  which 


228 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


belonged  many  of  the  leading  professional  men  in  Troy 
and  others,  including  the  Hon.  David  A,  Wells.  In  that 
fellowship,  I  gained  a  very  strong  impression  of  Doc- 
tor Tucker's  wide  reading  and  large  intellectual  sympa- 
thies. He  was  not  only  an  educated  man  in  the  best 
sense  of  the  term,  with  a  trained  mind  and  good  classical 
foundations,  but  he  was  a  constant  and  various  reader  of 
the  best  books. 

In  such  intercourse,  not  only  the  knowledge  but  the 
prejudices  of  men  come  to  the  surface;  and  it  was  a  reve- 
lation to  one  accustomed  to  the  ordinary  experiences  of 
life,  to  find  how  free  from  prejudice,  intolerance  and  ac- 
rimony, one  could  be,  and  nevertheless  hold  his  own 
convictions  in  a  very  strong  grasp,  and  feel  most  deeply 
concerning  all  that  he  believed.  The  secret  of  it  all  was 
to  be  found  in  the  singular  nobility  of  his  nature — abso- 
lutely free,  I  think,  from  all  pettiness,  jealousy,  censori- 
ousness  and  acerbity,  more  so  than  almost  any  man 
whom  I  have  ever  known. 

With  these  characteristics,  he  came  to  exercise  an  in- 
fluence in  Troy  which  was  absolutely  unique,  and  no 
man  or  woman  who  was  striving  for  the  right,  in  how- 
soever blundering  or  eccentric  a  way,  had  any  doubt  about 
his  substantial  sympathy.  He  had  rare  wisdom,  practi- 
cal good  sense,  a  fine  and  true  quality  of  discrimination, 
but  he  could  be  both  just  and  generous  to  people  who 
were  without  these  characteristics;  and  most  of  all,  who- 
ever was  striving  in  whatever  agency  for  the  triumph  of 
the  eternal  righteousness,  knew  that  Doctor  Tucker  was  on 
his  side.  From  this  fact,  there  came  to  pass  a  very  sin- 
gular result.  He  was  never  a  public  man  in  the  merely 
popular  sense  of  that  term — now  and  then  in  great  emer- 
gencies he  came  to  the  fore,  and  allowed  the  eminent 
weight  of  his  name  and  co-operation  to  be  counted  upon 
the  side  of  some  grave  moral  or  civic  issue — but  ordinar- 
ily, his  life  was  lived  in  the  modest  circle  of  his  own 
parochial  relations  and  obligations ;  and  yet  notwith- 
standing this  he  came  to  be  felt  in  Troy  as  a  power  for 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


229 


good  everywhere,  among  all  classes,  with  a  force  and 
weight  that  increased  steadily  to  the  end.  I  do  not  recall 
more  than  one  other  instance  in  this  generation  of  such 
largely  silent  influence  of  character. 

To  those  who  knew  and  loved  him  best,  it  seems  to  be 
something  almost  a  profanation,  the  attempt  to  speak  of 
Doctor  Tucker  in  his  more  intimate  personal  relations. 
The  charm  of  his  presence,  singularly  high-bred  but  most 
gracious  in  dignity,  and  his  bearing  absolutely  without 
ceremoniousness  or  stiffness,  but  with  a  courtesy  so  un- 
failing and  a  charm  so  irresistible — who  that  knew  them 
will  ever  forget  them?  A  man  without  family,  his  home 
had  always  the  warm  charm  of  a  delightful  hospitality, 
and  his  conversation  the  rare  quality  of  invariable  sym- 
pathy, vivacity  and  responsiveness.  Never  surely  was 
there  a  more  beautiful  illustration  of  the  fact  that  graces 
of  mind  and  character  make  age  a  forgotten  factor  in  our 
estimate  of  friends.  Doctor  Tucker  was  as  young,  the  last 
day  that  I  saw  him,  as  the  first;  and  yet  nearly  forty  years 
had  stretched  between  them.  He  had  indeed  great  charm 
of  presence,  the  face  of  a  saint  and  a  scholar,  but  his  merely 
physical  characteristics  seemed  always  to  me  simply  like 
the  porcelain  shade  which  reveals  the  steady  and  gracious 
light  that  burns  within.  There  may  be  other  men  in  the 
ministry,  of  his  generation,  who  resembled  him  in  his 
rare  qualities;  but  I  think  that  to  those  who  knew  him  he 
will  always  stand  apart,  in  the  life  of  the  community  in 
which  he  lived  and  in  the  ministry  of  our  American 
Church,  as  a  figure  of  absolutely  singular  and  unmatched 
graciousness,  of  benignity  and  habitual  and  unaffected 
self-sacrifice. 

When  the  Civil  War  came  on  in  the  year  1861 
Doctor  Tucker  was  roused  up  to  an  ardor  of  patriot- 
ism. At  one  time  he  had  almost  made  up  his 
mind  to  enlist  in  the  army;  from  this  he  was  dis- 
suaded by  arguments  adduced  by  an  old  friend 


230 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


and  parishioner,  who  quoted  the  words  of  God 
addressed  to  David:  Thou  shah  not  build  an 
house  for  my  name,  because  thou  hast  been  a  man 
of  war  and  hast  shed  blood."  But  the  Rector's 
abiding  interest  in  the  topic — especially  in  its  bear- 
ings on  Church  unity — is  witnessed  in  the  subject- 
matter  of  many  cuttings  from  newspapers  preserved 
in  one  or  more  of  his  scrap-books. 

Doctor  Tucker  was  never  a  political  preacher. 
He  never  forgot  that  he  was  a  priest.  Nevertheless, 
he  looked  upon  loyalty  to  his  government  as  one 
of  the  ordinary  Christian  virtues,  and  as  having 
no  intrinsic  connection  with  politics;  accordingly, 
during  the  war,  when  Thanksgiving  days  came 
round,  he  was  accustomed  to  speak  his  mind," 
and  to  speak  it  warmly  " — so  I  am  informed  by 
a  devoted  parishioner  of  long  standing. 

On  the  tenth  of  May,  1862,  a  great  fire  occurred 
in  the  city  of  Troy,  now  famous  in  its  annals.  A 
terrible  gale  was  blowing;  the  high  wind  distrib- 
uted the  sparks  and  burning  fagots.  In  this  way 
the  Van  der  Heyden  mansion,  standing  in  Walnut 
Grove  and  used  as  the  parish  school-house,  took 
fire  and  was  consumed..  The  Church  escaped.  I 
have  been  told  of  a  fact,  apparently  incredible,  tes- 
tifying to  the  power  of  the  wind  on  that  fateful 
day.  Sheets  of  music  belonging  to  the  Holy  Cross, 
showing  signs  of  fire,  were  found  in  Lenox,  Mass., 
whither  they  had  been  carried  by  the  gale. 

Although  the  Church  fabric  was  not  destroyed, 
some  of  its  furnishings  gave  token  of  the  or- 
deal.   The  altar-piece  was  so  blackened  by  smoke 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


231 


that  the  scene  portrayed  upon  it  became  almost 
invisible. 

Originally  the  picture  had  represented  the  Cross 
at  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the  Saviour's  body. 

It  had  been  painted  by  Weir  of  West  Point  for 
the  chapel  pertaining  to  that  military  institution. 
As  the  ofYence  of  the  Cross  had  not  yet  ceased,  the 
authorities  objected  to  the  setting  up  of  the  picture 
in  the  place  intended;  they  would  not  permit  its 
introduction  into  the  chapel. 

Captain  Schriver,  himself  a  graduate  of  West 
Point,  heard  of  the  dilemma.  He  suggested  to 
the  artist  that  there  was  a  Church  of  the  Holy- 
Cross  up  the  Hudson,  where  the  subject  would 
be  most  appropriate.  Mr.  Weir  gladly  offered  the 
picture  to  the  Church,  over  whose  altar  it  acted  as 
reredos  for  years. 

After  it  was  begrimed  by  smoke  and  changed 
into  a  dark  and  gloomy  object,"  it  maintained  its 
position  until  the  chancel  was  lengthened  at  the 
time  of  the  last  enlargement.  Then  the  altar-piece 
made  way  for  stained  glass  windows.  The  former 
was  hung  upon  the  wall  of  the  ante-chapel  until,  at 
a  later  day,  it  was  again  displaced  to  make  room 
for  a  memorial  tablet.  At  the  present  time  the 
canvas  is  preserved  in  the  attic  of  a  private  house. 

The  great  fire  had  another  effect  upon  the  fortunes 
of  the  Holy  Cross:  it  perpetuated  the  pastorship 
which  otherwise  might  have  ended  prematurely. 
Doctor  Tucker  received  three  separate  calls  to 
accept  the  rectorship  of  St.  Clark's  Church,  Phila- 
delphia. 


232 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Strong  persuasion  was  brought  to  bear.  Just 
when  the  St.  Mark's  people  were  trying  their  hard- 
est to  induce  Doctor  Tucker  to  come,  and  while 
he  was  balancing  the  question,  the  day  of  fire  over- 
took his  parish.  He  said  at  once,  "  There  is  no 
use  in  talking.  My  poor  people  are  in  trouble:  I 
cannot  go." 

A  heavy  loss  was  borne  by  Rector  and  people 
when  William  Hopkins  was  called  away  from  earth, 
on  the  1 8th  of  February,  1866. 

Mr.  Hopkins  had  been  the  first,  so  far  the  only, 
teacher  of  music  in  the  school  and  organist  in  the 
Church.  In  the  connection  he  had  served  faithfully 
for  twenty-five  years.  He  began  his  labors  when 
the  girls  were  first  assembled  as  an  Industrial 
School  associated  with  St.  Paul's  parish.  Even 
then,  when  the  effort  was  new,  his  success  was 
rapid.  His  little  pupils  appeared  in  a  public  per- 
formance. 

I  have  before  me  a  copy  of  a  boldly  printed 
programme  which  reads: 

CONCERT 

The  pupils  of  the  School  of  Industry  will  give  a 

CONCERT    OF   VOCAL  MUSIC 

On  Monday  Evening,  July  31, 
At  their  School-room  in  State  Street. 

They  will  be  assisted  on  this  occasion  by  their  teacher, 
William  Hopkins.  The  receipts  will  be  appropriated 
to  the  support  of  the  Boys'  School  of  St.  Paul's  Parish. 


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233 


This  Concert  will  be  given  under  the  superintendence 
of  the  Ladies'  Industrious  Society  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 


PROGRAMME 


Part  I 

1.  Introduction — Piano  Forte  . 

2.  Chant — Psalms  for  the  Day  . 

3.  Trio — Oh,  say  not,  dream  not,  heavenly 

notes  

4.  Descriptive  Piece — Hark,  the  Vesper 

Hymn  is  stealing  

5.  Trio— The  Sabbath  Bell  so  full  and 

swelling  

6.  Anthem — Great  is  the  Lord  . 


Rossini. 

Lord  Mornington. 
Keble. 


Neukomm. 


The  second  part  included  a  Chorus  from  Weber's 
"  Freyschiitz  "  and  other  selections. 


William  Hopkins  was  a  conscientious  Church 
musician.  He  had  to  do  with  that  first  partly 
Choral  Service,  ever  celebrated  in  America,  at  a 
children's  office  on  Easter  day  in  1842.  He  had 
intimate  connection  also  with  the  starting  and  con- 
tinuance of  the  Choral  Service  at  the  Holy  Cross, 
where  the  sung  office  has  been  heard  within  its 
walls  ever  since  the  opening.  He  trained  the  girls 
and  other  singers  for  the  rendering  of  the  important 
anthems,  at  once  adopted  as  a  part  of  the  offering 
up  of  praise. 

Moreover,  he  was  a  communicant  member,  a 
loyal  son  of  mother  Church;  so,  when  it  came  to 
be  the  time  that  the  words  of  burial  should  be  said 
in  his  behalf,  it  was  fitting  that  there  should  be  an 
outburst  of  real  prayer  and  praise. 


234 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


At  one  o'clock  on  a  Tuesday  afternoon,  the  body 
of  William  Hopkins  rested  upon  a  bier  in  the  ante- 
chapel  of  the  Holy  Cross.  It  was  partly  covered 
by  a  pall  of  cloth,  purple  and  white.  At  three,  the 
children  of  the  school  entered  in  procession,  wear- 
ing their  uniform  of  scarlet  cloaks  and  drab  bon- 
nets. The  banner  of  the  Mary  Warren  Free  In- 
stitute was  carried  in  line  by  a  former  member 
of  the  "  Parochial  Choral  Society  " — another  or- 
ganization in  which  the  one  remembered  had  been 
active.  After  the  Trustees  of  the  Institute,  marched 
the  officiating  clergy — Doctor  Tucker,  Messrs. 
Cooke,  Danker,  and  Cady. 

As  the  procession  advanced,  the  choir  sang  the 
opening  sentences.  The  first  roll  or  tide  of  har- 
mony, sweeping  through  the  Church,  was  remarked 
upon  in  reports  written  at  the  time.  That  perv^a- 
siveness  of  rich,  soulful  vocal  harmony  has  always 
been  characteristic  of  sers^ces  sung  at  the  Holy 
Cross. 

Merbecke's  music  was  given  as  the  setting  for 
the  sentences.  The  Burial  Chant  was  Gregorian — 
taken  antiphonally.  After  the  lesson,  the  clergy 
gathered  about  the  cofifin,  when  again  the  Merbecke 
music  was  sung,  this  time  set  to  "  Man  that  is  born 
of  a  woman.''  Doctor  Tucker  intoned  the  Com- 
mittal. "  I  heard  a  voice  "  was  arranged  to  phrases 
taken  from  ^Mozart's  Requiem.  Mr.  Cooke  intoned 
the  concluding  collects. 

As  the  procession  passed  out  it  sang  "  Lord,  now 
lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  "  to  a  setting  by 
John  Smith,  Mcar  Choral  of  St.  Patrick's,  Dublin. 


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Thereafter  it  was  said:  "  The  music  was  the  best 
eulogy  of  the  dead  man,  over  whom  it  was  sung, 
that  could  have  been  made."  It  was  a  witness  to 
his  own  labor,  and  to  his  appreciation  of  beauty  in 
the  worship  of  Almighty  God. 

The  interests  of  the  Church  at  large,  in  Europe 
as  well  as  America,  were  much  in  the  thought  of 
Doctor  Tucker.  Naturally,  his  view  went  out 
toward  his  own  national  communion,  and  in  par- 
ticular toward  his  own  Diocese. 

When  the  jurisdiction  of  Albany  was  set  off  from 
the  parent  stem,  there  was  not  an  entire  unanimity 
of  feeling  about  the  naming  of  a  Priest  who  should 
be  elevated  to  the  Episcopate  and  entrusted  with 
the  charge  of  the  new  spiritual  commonwealth. 
Alany  of  the  Church  people  in  and  around  Troy 
had  made  up  their  minds  in  favor  of  a  candidate 
who — as  it  turned  out — was  not  elected.  The  man 
of  their  choice  was  passed  by,  and  as  a  consequence 
some  of  them  felt  sore;  in  certain  neighborhoods 
opposition  became  threatening. 

Doctor  Tucker  saw  the  need  that  some  one  should 
stand  up  and  preach  for  Church  order  and  for 
the  support  of  the  constituted  authorities.  He 
preached  upon  the  subject  on  the  Sunday  occur- 
ring next  after  the  election  of  the  first  Bishop  of 
Albany. 

Some  of  the  remarks  made  by  the  Rector  are 
outspoken  and  resolute,  but  the  public  agitation 
which  called  them  into  being  was  of  a  character 
which  demanded  plainness  of  speech. 

The  text  was  chosen  from  the  Epistle  to  the 


236 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Romans,  15th  chapter  and  5th  verse.  The  speaker 
began : 

The  Diocese  of  Albany  being  now  fully  organized,  I  feel 
that  it  is  due  to  the  people  committed  to  my  spiritual 
charge  to  present  to  their  consideration  some  facts  re- 
specting the  Diocese  of  which  this  parish  forms  part,  and 
in  whose  concerns  it  should  entertain  therefore  a  wise 
and  hearty  interest. 

After  referring  to  the  apportionment  of  terri- 
tory and  the  strength  of  the  district,  the  preacher 
continued: 

The  Convention  assembled  at  St.  Peter's  Church,  Al- 
bany, on  Wednesday  last.  Bishop  Potter  preached  the 
sermon.  .  .  .  On  Thursday  at  12  o'clock,  after  a  most 
solemn  and  impressive  religious  service  and  silent  prayer, 
the  Convention  proceeded  to  elect  a  Bishop,  and  on  the 
ninth  balloting  the  Rev.  Dr.  Doane,  Rector  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Albany,  was  elected  first  Bishop  of  the  new  See, 
he  having  received  a  majority  of  both  the  clerical  and  lay 
votes.  The  Te  Deum  was  then  sung.  Soon  afterwards, 
Dr.  Doane  at  the  request  of  the  Convention  appeared 
before  it,  acknowledged  the  kindness  and  confidence  of 
his  brethren,  clerical  and  lay,  evidenced  by  their  choice; 
assured  them  that  "  if  he  thought  the  office  had  come  to 
him  through  man's  device,  and  not  from  God,  he  would 
die  sooner  than  take  up  the  load  that  is  laid  upon  his 
soul,"  and  closed  his  address  with  these  words:  "I  give 
myself,  my  life,  my  all,  through  you,  to  God.  I  ask  from 
you  your  confidence,  your  sympathy — I  had  almost  said 
your  pity,  and  your  prayers  that  when  the  Chief  Shepherd 
shall  appear  I  may  have  some  part,  with  you,  in  the 
crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away." 

The  election  was  as  unexpected  to  Dr.  Doane  as  to  his 


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friends.  And  inasmuch  as  it  has  been  intimated  that 
there  was  some  secret  combination  of  the  clergy  to  fur- 
ther and  secure  the  election  of  the  Rector  of  St.  Peter's, 
Albany,  or  prevent  the  election  of  some  other  prominent 
candidate  favored  by  a  majority  of  the  laity,  I  here  pub- 
licly affirm  that  if  such  a  combination  existed,  it  was 
tmknown  to  myself,  and  I  also  state  the  fact,  that  before 
the  first  balloting,  I  only  knew  how  two  men  would  vote, 
myself  and  one  other.  I  did  not  rely  on  the  cooperation 
in  Dr.  Doane's  favor  of  one  lay  vote.  I  had  made  up  my 
mind  after  due  consideration  how  I  should  cast  my  own 
vote,  when  I  was  assured  by  a  clerical  brother  that  he 
concurred  with  me  in  judgment  and  purpose.  Under  the 
circumstances  I  could  not  be  very  sanguine  of  success. 
I  determined  to  do  my  duty  honestly  in  the  sight  of  God, 
and  submit  graciously  to  the  allotment  of  His  Providence. 
More  than  a  year  ago,  in  conversation  w^ith  a  friend,  a 
layman,  I  frankly  avowed  my  own  preferences,  acknowl- 
edged that  I  could  not  anticipate  the  election  of  the  cleri- 
cal brother  whom  I  might  choose,  and  assured  him  that  I 
was  ready  in  good  faith,  to  sustain  any  man  as  my  Bishop, 
who  with  good  heart,  in  all  sincerity'  and  faithfulness, 
believed  in  the  Bible  and  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 
I  thus  showed  myself  not  very  difficult  to  please  or  satisfy, 
while  at  the  same  time  I  honestly  avowed  my  own  prefer- 
ences, and  recognized  the  rights  of  the  majority  of  my  lay 
and  clerical  brethren.  I  think  more  of  the  office  than  I 
do  of  the  man  who  fills  it,  and  I  was  ready  to  honor  and 
obey  any  Diocesan  whom  the  majority  of  my  brethren 
might  distinguish  by  the  prerogatives  and  dignity  of  the 
Episcopate.  I  should  distrust  my  own  faith  in  the  use, 
the  expediency,  or  the  necessity  of  the  sacred  office  of 
the  Bishop  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  if  I  could  allow  my 
individual  likes  or  dislikes,  my  notions  or  conceits,  my 
opinions  or  convictions,  to  make  me  falter  in  my  alle- 
giance to  my  Bishop. 

Obedience  and  submission  to  an  ecclesiastical  superior, 
are  not  however,  as  I  feel,  inconsistent  with  the  self- 


238 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


respect  of  a  man,  and  the  inalienable  rights  of  a  Christian 
priest.  ...  I  say  this  to  guard  against  the  imputation 
of  holding  and  teaching  blind  submission  on  the  part  of 
the  clergy  and  laity,  to  the  will  and  judgment  of  a  Bishop. 
I  do  not  believe  in  the  infallibility,  even  in  the  most 
modified  sense,  of  the  Bishop  of  Rome,  nor  do  I  be- 
lieve any  more  in  the  infallibility  or  indefectibility  of  the 
Bishop  of  New  York,  Albany,  or  any  other  See,  whoever 
may  be  the  temporary  incumbent.  .  .  .  But  this  I  do 
believe  with  all  my  heart,  that  if  our  reverence  for  the  holy 
office  of  Bishop  is  so  flimsy,  so  identified  with  persons 
and  things  of  a  mere  temporal  interest  or  concern,  so  as- 
sociated with  the  accessories,  which  belong  to  individuals, 
circumstances  and  places,  then,  if  our  reverence  be  depen- 
dent upon  such  contingencies,  as  fleeting,  as  shadowy,  as 
deceptive,,  as  the  overhanging  branches  or  the  passing 
clouds  which  picture  the  mirrory  surface  of  the  lake,  we 
can  put  little  confidence  in  our  assumptions  and  protes- 
tations about  Episcopacy,  our  loud  and  factious  preten- 
sions concerning  its  Scriptural  and  Apostolic  claims.  .  .  . 
What  would  become  of  an  army  where  the  officers  and 
men  faltered  in  their  obedience,  and  withheld  the  conven- 
tional signs  of  respect,  because  they  questioned  the  gen- 
eral's political  wisdom,  or  doubted  the  expediency  of  a 
stratagem,  or  the  plan  of  a  campaign  ?  .  .  .  Or  to 
come  nearer  home.  How  far  could  we  look  forward  into 
the  future  for  the  preservation  of  our  republican  rights 
and  institutions,  if  the  respect  and  obedience,  which  we 
manifested  toward  "  the  President  of  the  United  States 
and  all  others  in  authority  "  were  dependent  on  our  per- 
sonal regard,  our  esteem,  our  liking  for  the  successful 
competitor  for  national  gifts  and  honors?    .    .  . 

The  point  that  I  am  aiming  at  is  this,  that  even  though 
the  individual  who  is  elected  to  the  Episcopate  differ  from 
us  in  opinions  and  notions  of  Church  policy,  still  our 
reverence  for  the  holy  office  of  Bishop  should  carry  us 
beyond  the  control  of  personal  sympathies  and  prefer- 
ences.   I  am  as  yet  maintaining  only  an  abstract  prin- 


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239 


ciple,  which  is  this:  that  it  is  a  duty  imposed  upon  all 
who  consider  themselves  Churchmen  living  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  State  comprised  within  the  limits  of  the  new 
Diocese,  to  give  their  allegiance  to  the  Bishop  who  shall 
be  entrusted  with  its  spiritual  jurisdiction,  and  this  in 
spite,  though  it  may  be,  of  individual  wishes,  of  partisan 
or  local  interests;  and  to  assist  by  a  liberal  contribution 
of  their  worldly  means,  by  active  sympathy  and  hearty 
cooperation,  by  their  counsels,  by  their  words  and  deeds, 
in  giving  efficiency  to  his  administration  of  the  affairs  of 
the  Diocese.  If  every  man,  who  happens  to  be  disap- 
pointed in  the  selection  of  the  incumbent  of  a  vacant  see, 
can  withhold  his  charity,  his  zeal  and  energy,  from  the 
authorized  instrumentalities  established  to  promote  God's 
glory  by  the  extension  of  the  Church,  then  I  say  there  is 
an  end  of  ecclesiastical  authority  and  allegiance,  and  we 
are  but  a  step  removed  from  the  barest  and  wildest  scheme 
of  Congregationalism.  ...  If  we  as  Churchmen  pre- 
sume to  stand  before  the  world  as  Episcopalians  or 
Bishopmen,  or  men  who  profess  to  believe  that  the 
government  by  Bishops  is  a  divine  appointment;  that  a 
Church  Episcopally  ordered  is  the  Church  established 
by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  His  kingdom  upon  earth, 
the  establishment  divinely  founded,  divinely  authorized, 
blessed  with  the  promise  of  perpetuity  by  the  Lord 
Himself,  thus  established  and  blessed  to  evangelize  the 
world — if  this  be  the  conviction  of  Churchmen  who 
choose  to  designate  themselves  "  Episcopalians " — how 
without  the  sacrifice  of  our  religious  principles  can  we 
forbear,  whatever  be  the  motive,  from  giving  according 
to  our  Christian  faith  and  ability,  aid  spiritual  and  ma- 
terial to  the  only  institution  agreeably  to  our  professions, 
which,  on  Scriptural  grounds,  and  in  accordance  with 
Apostolic  and  primitive  practice,  can  claim  divine  author- 
ity or  sanction  for  preaching  Christ  and  administering 
His  sacraments?  If  a  man  who  professes  to  be  a  Church- 
man or  an  Episcopalian  boldly  avows  his  determination 
to  withhold  all  sympathy  and  support  from  his  Bishop, 


240 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


because  he  would  prefer  some  other  individual  as  his 
Diocesan,  I  would  say:  "Well,  be  it  so:  only  be  con- 
sistent and  manly;  throw  aside  principles,  or  the  pro- 
fession of  principles,  which  at  heart  you  have  abandoned. 
Let  there  be  no  cant,  or  shallow,  empty  professions.  Re- 
move, so  far  as  you  can,  by  your  words  and  example, 
the  obstacles  which  hinder  the  efiforts  and  labors  of 
other  zealous  religionists.  If  you  are  unwilling  to  help 
the  Church  over  which  a  Bishop  presides  to  do  its  work 
of  evangelization;  if  your  convictions  in  favor  of  the 
authority  of  a  divinely  established  Church  cannot  control 
your  preferences  for  men,  or  your  predilection  for  pecul- 
iar theories  and  schemes — O  then,  if  not  for  consistency's 
sake,  for  the  sake  of  principles  and  of  duty,  for  Christ's 
sake,  for  Religion's  sake,  for  the  sake  of  the  dying  souls 
of  your  weak  and  sinning  brethren — if  you  are  unwilling, 
whatever  be  the  motive,  to  help  your  Bishop  and,  in  and 
through  him,  the  Church  over  whose  spiritual  interests 
he  presides,  then  be  honest  and  manly.  Don't  prate 
about  the  divine  rights  of  the  Episcopate;  drop  your 
exclusiveness,  and  give  a  fair  chance  to  Presbyterians, 
Baptists,  Methodists,  Congregationalists  and  R.  Catholics 
to  work  the  field  which  is  white  for  the  harvest." 

I  know  this  is  plain  talk.  When  the  election  of  a 
Bishop  in  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church  is  regarded  by  men, 
who  call  themselves  Churchmen,  as  the  ordinary  election 
of  a  civil  magistrate,  or  the  appointment  of  an  individual 
to  the  Presidency  of  a  Collegiate  institution,  and  what 
are  considered  his  peculiar  fitnesses  for  the  office,  or 
his  claims  to  the  high  dignity,  are  regarded  by  individ- 
uals as  the  marks  on  the  scale  to  indicate  the  amount  of 
pecuniary  support,  moral  aid,  and  efficient  cooperation 
they  are  expected  to  give  to  the  successor  of  an  Apostle, 
then  I  hold  that  those  who  associate  other  ideas  more 
sacred  with  the  ministry  established  by  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  His  Apostles,  must  not  hold  their  peace,  but 
boldly  expose  what  they  believe  to  be  the  inconsisten- 
cies, the  errors  and  dangers  of  a  most  treacherous  policy. 


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241 


I  do  not  consider  myself  an  illiberal  man  either  in  my 
sentiments  or  acts.  If  I  know  my  own  heart,  almost  to 
an  infirmity,  I  am  disposed  to  please  all  men.  One  thing 
as  a  believer,  I  often  wish,  that  there  were  no  such 
men  upon  earth  as  Presbyterians,  Baptists,  Universalists, 
Congregationalists,  Methodists,  R.  Catholics,  and  High 
and  Low  and  Broad  Churchmen.  I  mean  to  say  that  I 
often  devoutly  wish  that  there  were  no  denominational 
titles  to  distinguish  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  but  the 
one  which  at  first  was  given  to  them,  "  Christians."  But 
we  are  not  living  in  Apostolic  times.  We  cannot  appeal 
immediately  to  an  Apostle  for  an  opinion  or  judgment. 
We  live  in  the  midst  of  circumstances  very  unlike  those 
among  which  S.  Paul,  S.  Peter  and  S.  John  moved  and 
acted.  A  man  is  obliged  to  adapt  himself  to  the  persons 
and  things  which  surround  him.  He  has  his  convictions, 
say.  about  the  peculiar  form  of  the  Church  which  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  established.  He  identifies  Episcopacy 
with  that  form  or  ecclesiastical  organization,  /thus,  as- 
sociate the  order  of  Bishops  with  the  name  and  author- 
ity of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  with  all  the  purposes 
of  His  incarnation,  death  and  resurrection.  According 
to  my  conception  of  spiritual  things,  then,  it  appears 
sacrilegious  to  say  the  least,  if  not  positively  blasphe- 
mous, to  molest  or  thwart  a  Bishop  in  his  holy  en- 
deavors, and  this  to  gratify  a  mere  suspicion,  whim  or 
prejudice. 

Now  let  me  say  a  few  words  about  the  Bishop  elect. 
He  is  a  son  of  Bishop  Doane;  and  can  therefore  boast 
the  name  and  lineage  of  one  who,  in  talents,  zeal,  labors 
and  self-sacrifice,  I  may  add  in  cares,  troubles  and  trials, 
has  not,  in  my  opinion,  his  superior  on  the  roll  of  our 
American  bishops.  As  evidence  of  sincerity  in  my  words: 
I  travelled  hundreds  of  miles  to  pay  my  respect  to  his 
memory,  chanting  with  two  other  priests,  at  the  open 
grave,  the  words  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the 
Lord." 


16 


242 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  preacher  then  recalled  another  occasion, 
three  months  earlier,  where  he  had  joined  in  the 
singing  of  the  same  anthem,  and  when  Bishop 
Doane  himself  committed  to  the  earth  "  the  body 
of  his  and  my  own  dear  and  much  revered  friend." 
He  told  the  story  of  the  firm  friendship  subsisting 
between  the  two,  the  Bishop  of  New  Jersey  and 
Mrs.  Mary  Warren.  When  the  telegram  arrived 
announcing  her  death,  the  Bishop  said:  "  Alas,  how 
few  are  left  to  us!  Who  next?"  '"'And  the  next 
was  himself.  So  soon  God  heard  the  prayer  of 
his  parting  words  over  her  sacred  and  beloved 
dust,  'Sweet  spirit!  be  it  ours  to  follow  thee  as  thou 
hast  followed  Christ,  to  bear  with  thee  His  Cross, 
to  wear  with  thee  His  crown.' "  The  speaker 
continued: 

But  we  must  pass  on.  It  is  the  son  and  not  the  father 
that  now  claims  our  attention.  The  Rev.  William  Cros- 
well  Doane  does  not  owe  his  election  to  his  name;  on 
the  contrary,  a  name  identified  with  extraordinary  zeal 
and  exertions  for  the  Church  of  Christ,  is  not  always 
the  surest  pledge,  in  these  days,  of  favor  and  patronage 
from  Churchmen. 

It  was  thought  that  Dr.  Doane  possessed  physical, 
moral  and  mental  qualities,  which  in  a  pecuHar  way, 
adapted  him  to  the  labors  of  organizing  a  new  Diocese, 
and  taking  charge  of  its  missionary  work.  He  is  strong 
and  able  to  work,  and  is  just  as  willing  as  he  is  strong 
and  able  to  work.  In  a  section  of  country  like  that 
which  forms  the  larger  part  of  this  Diocese,  where  the 
Church  has  to  be  planted,  religious  services  maintained 
by  means  of  missionary  agencies,  places  for  public  wor- 
ship built,  precisely  as  if  organizing  a  Church  in  heathen 
lands — where  we  expect  little  sympathy,  and  look  for 


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243 


much  opposition;  a  large  field,  that  rather  rough  and 
stony;  few  laborers  and  with  little  money  to  pay  those 
few  laborers  and  to  hire  more;  no  end  of  work,  and  but 
small  resources  to  do  it  with — in  such  a  section  of  the 
country  by  no  means  congenial  to  our  ecclesiastical 
polity,  we  want  a  Chief  Pastor  who  loves  work,  who 
never  shirks  toils  and  labors,  who  is  able  and  willing  to 
carry  his  full  share  of  the  burden,  and  help  others  who 
are  not  quite  so  vigorous  and  enduring  as  himself.  We 
want  a  man  in  this  new  Diocese  who  not  only  loves  to 
work,  but  knows  how  to  work,  how  to  lay  plans  and 
o''ganize,  how  to  devise  and  use  expedients;  who  knows 
how  to  work  himself,  and  how  to  make  others  work  with 
him.  This  is  a  great  want.  It  magnifies  the  power  of 
one  man  a  thousand  fold.    .    .  . 

And  as  our  Bishop  is  to  open  for  the  Church,  as  it 
were,  new  territory,  in  portions  of  which  our  creed  is 
unknown  and  our  customs  strange,  we  need  in  this  Dio- 
cese a  man  who  knows  what  he  believes  and  why  he 
believes;  who  can  give  a  reason  for  the  faith  that  is  in 
him,  and  that  without  compromising  his  honesty  as  a 
man,  his  charity  as  a  disciple  of  the  loving  Jesus,  and 
his  dignity  as  a  Christian  Bishop.    ..   .  . 

Now  have  we  chosen  such  a  Bishop?  If  we  have  not 
secured  such  a  man  for  our  Diocesan,  then  I  am  deceived 
in  my  hopes  and  expectations. 

And  if  the  testimonials  are  signed  by  a  majority  of  the 
Standing  Committees  of  the  Dioceses,  and  the  Bishop 
elect  is  consecrated,  and  thereby  commissioned,  as  it 
were,  by  Apostolic  authority  to  minister  the  affairs  of 
this  Diocese,  then  who,  I  ask,  that  recognizes  the  author- 
ity of  a  Bishop  in  our  ecclesiastical  organization,  can 
withhold  his  cordial  sympathy  and  active  cooperation? 

I  speak  not  as  a  partisan,  with  a  mind  and  heart  pinched 
up  by  the  bands  and  rivets  of  intolerance,  bigotry  and 
faction.  I  hold  firmly  my  religious  opinions  and  con- 
victions; but  I  dare  not  measure  other  men's  sincerity 
and  wisdom  by  my  own  opinions  and  convictions,  tena- 


244 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


ciously  as  I  grasp  them.  Neither  do  I  speak  now  as 
the  personal  friend  of  the  dear  brother  who  has  been 
elected  to  the  Episcopate.  I  am  not  the  advocate  of  a 
party  or  the  apologist  for  a  friend.  I  speak  as  the  min- 
ister of  Christ.  I  am  trying  to  effect  something  for  His 
honor  and  glory,  and  for  the  spiritual  good  of  my  fellow- 
men. 

The  preacher  urged  his  brethren  in  faith  and 
worship  not  to  withhold  sympathy,  prayers,  and 
pious  endeavors;  not  to  punish  a  Christian 
brother  and  a  Priest  for  being  elevated  to  a  holy 
office,  which  he  neither  sought  nor  wished,"  closing 
by  the  plea: 

If  he  fail  to  accomplish  what  his  Divine  Master  has 
commanded  and  commissioned  him  to  do,  through  our 
jealousies,  strifes,  contentions,  or  through  our  neglect, 
our  apathy,  our  lack  of  interest,  love  and  zeal,  whose 
glory  is  impaired,  who  is  contemned,  who  is  slighted 
and  dishonored?  And  whose  souls  must  bear  the  shame 
and  remorse  of  that  contempt  and  dishonor? 


XIV 


SHALL    IT    BE    LOWELL    MASON  OR 
DR.  DYKES? 

Let  it  be  remembered  that  uniformly  and  from 
the  very  beginning  anthem  music  has  been  prom- 
inent and  influential  at  the  Holy  Cross.  Never- 
theless, constant  attention  has  been  bestowed  upon 
the  simpler  sections  of  service.  The  Church  on 
the  hill  has  been  noted  for  its  singing  of  hymns. 
There  never  existed  any  tendency  to  belittle  the 
lyrical  or  metrical  numbers,  in  which  the  congre- 
gation had  a  part.  The  large  and  famous  choir  did 
not  take  up  with  the  feeling  of  the  old-style  quar- 
tet, and  account  the  hymn  as  a  flippant  trifle — to 
be  rattled  of?  without  serious  thought  and  with 
the  smallest  expenditure  of  time  and  breath.  On 
the  contrary,  they — choir  and  people — made  each 
recurrence  of  congregational  song  distinctly  wor- 
shipful. 

The  Rector  himself  was  always  a  happy  partici- 
pant in  the  music,  both  of  anthems  and  hymns. 
He  had  so  sturdy  a  throat  capacity  that  he  was 
competent  to  read  or  sing  all  through  a  service  and 
at  the  same  time  conduct  and  take  part  in  other 
portions,  the  leadership  of  which  is  ordinarily 
delegated  to  the  choir. 


246 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Therefore,  all  the  more  did  he  bestow  care  upon 
the  selection  of  that  which  was  to  be  sung.  He 
was  anxious  to  find  tunes  which  would  best  answer 
their  purpose,  and  he  began  to  make  a  collection  of 
those  which  might  be  serviceable  within  the  limits 
of  his  own  cure.  Naturally,  his  first  thought  was 
for  the  little  ones,  and  we  hear  about  a  "  Child's 
Book  of  Praise,"  a  design  which  soon  expanded 
into     The  Parish  Hymnal." 

As  this  was  the  beginning  of  Doctor  Tuckers 
public  duty  in  a  new  department,  which  carried  his 
name  throughout  America  and  on  the  far  side  of 
the  Atlantic;  as  many  know  him  now — however 
imperfectly — only  as  the  Editor  of  a  Musical  Hym- 
nal, it  will  be  right  for  us  to  pause  and  try  to 
ascertain  the  state  of  affairs  which  existed  in  our 
churches  during  generations  gone.  If  we  glance 
backward,  recalling  successive  steps  in  the  pro- 
gress of  psalmody,  we  may  the  better  understand 
that  which  was  accomplished  by  our  independent 
thinker. 

What  were  the  tunes  sung  by  our  fathers?  What 
were  the  characteristics  of  their  music? 

It  is  not  needful  that  we  shall  devote  much  space 
to  the  recounting  of  the  story  about  the  beginnings 
of  music  in  America.  There  was  a  day  when  each 
Puritan  congregation  was  acquainted  with  not  more 
than  four  or  five  tunes,  of  which  York  tune,"  still 
extant,  is  an  example.  The  members  of  this  lim- 
ited repertory  were  repeated  ad  nauseam;  they 
were  sung  as  simple  melodies  "  on  the  air  "  without 
harmony,  vocal  or  instrumental.    As  time  went  on, 


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individual  worshippers  varied  the  tune  each  to  suit 
himself,  or  the  several  participants  would  select  dif- 
ferent melodies  out  of  the  small  stock  of  four  or 
five,  and  sing  them  all  at  once.  The  result  is 
described  as  chaotic. 

The  state  of  the  case  was  parallel  to  that  recorded 
by  George  Eliot  in  "  Felix  Holt " :  "  The  preacher 
gives  out  the  tenth  Psalm,  and  then  everybody 
sings  a  different  tune,  as  it  happens  to  turn  up  in 
their  throats.  It  is  a  domineering  thing  to  set  a 
tune  and  expect  everybody  else  to  follow  it.  It  is 
a  denial  of  private  judgment." 

In  the  matter  of  tempo  and  unity  of  attack,  there 
was  the  like  independency.  One  would  reach  the 
middle  of  the  second  or  third  note  before  another 
had  left  the  first.  "  Go  as  you  please  "  was  the 
motto.  A  reverend  writer  working  for  reform  in 
1 72 1,  complains  about  the  amazing  slowness  of  de- 
livery; he  urges  not  to  fatigue  the  Singer  with  a 
tedious  Protraction  of  the  Notes  beyond  the  Com- 
pass of  a  Man's  Breath,  and  the  Power  of  his 
Spirit:  a  Fault  very  frequent  in  the  Country,  where 
I  myself  have  twice  in  one  Note  paused  to  take 
Breath." 

Thereafter  came  on  a  struggle  to  introduce 
"  regular  singing,"  or  singing  by  note,  which  was 
bitterly  opposed  as  "  Quakerish  and  Popish,  and  in- 
troductive  of  instrumental  musick."  Against  the 
new  way  it  was  argued  that  the  names  given  to  the 
notes  are  bawdy ^  yea  blasphemous again,  "  that 
it  is  a  needless  way,  since  their  good  Fathers  that 
were  strangers  to  it,  are  got  to  heaven  without  it." 


248 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Neither  may  we  linger  upon  the  narratives 
having  to  do  with  William  Billings  and  his  com- 
peers, the  famous  line  of  Singing-school  masters 
in  New  England,  throughout  whose  reign  there 
flourished  the  fugueing  "  tune,  and  other  lively 
productions. 

Some  of  us  can  recall  the  "  Oldde  Folkes'  Con- 
certs," at  which  the  choir  sang  "  Russia  "  set  to 
words  apportioned  in  this  wise: 

False  are  the  men  of  high  degree. 
The  baser  sort  are  vanity; 
(Bass)   Laid  in  a  bal- 
{Treble)    Laid  in  a  bal- 
{Alto)     Laid  in  a  bal- 
{Tenor)    Laid  in  a  bal- 
{Full)    ance,  both  appear 
Light  as  a  puff  of  empty  air. 

Each  verse  ended  with  a  slice  from  a  madrigal. 
The  method,  applied  to  the  make-up  of  hundreds 
of  tunes,  was  once  immensely  popular  in  religious 
service.  A  pleasant  reminder  of  it  still  subsists  in 
"  Antioch." 

Others  of  us  will  remember  "  China "  and 
"  Windham,"  examples  of  another  huge  shoal — 
this  time  of  unmelodious  and  mechanical  tunes. 
We  may  thank  our  stars  that  we  have  got  beyond 
them.  They  come  down  from  the  latter  half  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  but  in  them  we  find  no  flavor 
of  antiquity,  no  voice  of  the  ages."  There  is  a 
radical  diversity  between  the  enduring  strength  of 
a  genuine  antique — such  as  a  Gregorian  melody — 


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249 


and  a  faded  weakling  which  is  known  merely  as  an 
"  old-timer." 

After  the  day  of  "  China,"  we  reach  a  period 
identified  with  two  much-used  collections:  the 
"  Modern  Psalmist,"  appearing  in  1839,  and  em- 
ployed so  long  that  its  title  became  a  misnomer; 
and  the  "  Carmina  Sacra,"  first  copyrighted  in 
1841.  These  and  other  tune-books  of  the  age 
were  shaped  oblong — very  long  sideways.  When 
one  held  in  his  hands  the  open  volume,  he  felt  as 
if  he  had  to  manipulate  the  top  part  of  a  mercan- 
tile ledger  cut  short.  The  "  Carmina  Sacra  "  was 
issued  under  the  sanction  of  the  Boston  Academy 
of  Music.  A  later  edition  was  edited  by  Lowell 
Mason.  In  due  time  the  book  came  to  be  almost 
omnipresent;  its  gray  boards  were  a  familiar  sight 
in  every  choir  loft. 

People  adopted  with  energy  the  original  tunes 
composed  by  Lowell  Mason.  Of  him  it  has  been 
remarked  that  he  did  more  to  awaken  interest  in 
psalmody,  and  to  depreciate  its  standards,  than 
any  other  man  of  his  time.  Says  a  writer  back  in 
the  fifties:  No  one  has  done  as  much  as  he,  in  his 
day  and  generation,  to  extend  the  practice  and 
lower  the  taste  in  sacred  music.  In  the  mechan- 
ism of  getting  up  books  of  psalm  and  hymn  tunes, 
and  in  making  money  out  of  them,  he  has  been 
facile  princeps — out  of  sight  ahead  of  all  com- 
petitors." Concerning  The  Sabbath  Hymn  and 
Tune  Book,"  then  just  published,  the  same  re- 
viewer continues:  The  music  is  entirely  Mason- 
ical.    Of  the  vast  quantity  of  tunes  embodied  in 


250 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


this  large  octavo  a  few  are  good,  many  are  bad, 
and  all  the  rest  are  indifferent:  but  for  quantity 
assure  every  purchaser  that  he  will  get  his  money's 
worth." 

Surely  it  may  now  be  asserted  with  slight  fear 
of  contradiction,  that  when  Church  congregations 
came  to  like  "  Hebron  "  and  its  class,  they  deceived 
themselves  and  made  choice  of  a  tasteless  inanity; 
before  long  they  succeeded  in  the  importation  into 
service  of  a  weariness  from  which  the  soul  must 
turn  away.  Fancy  nowadays  that  our  people 
should  set  themselves  to  work  with  grim  determi- 
nation and  a  compulsory  diligence  at  the  singing 
of  "  Hebron  "  or    Balerma  "  or  "  Martyn." 

Our  younger  readers  may  not  comprehend  the 
use  of  these  appellatives;  but  let  them  be  reminded 
that  we  speak  about  an  age  in  which  each  tune 
received  a  distinctive  name,  just  like  a  new-born 
child. 

Many  of  the  tunes  set  down  in  the  "  Carmina 
Sacra"  have  now  gone  out  of  use;  others  survive 
in  occasional  employment.  Among  the  latter  we 
find  Zeuner's  Missionary  Chant  "  ;  also  "  Park 
Street,"  Italian  Hymn,"  and  St.  Martin's  "—the 
last-named  being  still  sung  with  gusto  at  St. 
Thomas'  Church,  New  York,  to  the  wording,  "  Not 
to  the  terrors  of  the  Lord." 

Among  the  side-long  tune-books  there  was  one 
of  especial  interest  to  us  because  it  had  a  connec- 
tion with  the  Apostolic  Succession;  it  was  edited 
by  Church  organists,  and  its  selections  were  to  be 
sung  to  the  Prayer  Book  Psalms  and  Hymns.  The 


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251 


title  of  the  work  was  the  "  Cantus  Ecclesiae,"  pub- 
lished under  the  certified  sanction  of  the  Musi- 
cal Fund  Society  of  Philadelphia,  and  edited  by 
Messrs.  Darley  and  Standbridge.  The  copyright 
is  dated  1844. 

Its  assortment  of  tunes  belongs  to  the  same  cate- 
gory as  those  of  the  "  Carmina  Sacra  " — "  Men- 
don,"  "Blendon,"  "Park  Street,"  and  the  like. 
The  solid  English  composers  are  represented — 
Handel,  Dr.  Arne,  Dr.  Arnold,  and  others.  There 
is  a  local  flavor  in  the  names  given  to  original 
tunes,  then  first  published.  Morton,"  by  A.  G. 
Emerick,  recalls  Dr.  Henry  J.  Morton  of  St.  James', 
Philadelphia.  Other  popular  clergy  then  living 
and  laboring  in  the  same  city  receive  tribute; 
we  find  Tyng  "  and  Suddards."  Beethoven  is 
impressed  into  the  service  to  form  the  melody 

Doane."  The  tune  was  the  forerunner  of  many 
fashioned  in  the  same  way;  for  "arrangements" 
were  coming  into  vogue.  In  the  book,  bits  were 
taken  and  altered  from  Donnizetti,  from  Michael 
and  Joseph  Haydn. 

The  Greatorex  Collection  came  out  in  185 1,  of- 
fering "  Manoah  "  and  many  other  settings,  which 
became  prime  favorites. 

About  this  time  it  happened  that  tune-books 
were  multiplied  at  such  a  rapid  rate  that  the  stock 
of  tunes  would  no  longer  hold  out;  accordingly  the 
number  of  "  arrangements "  increased  yet  more 
alarmingly.  Operatic  composers  were  much  called 
upon.  Secular  melodies  were  fitted  to  sacred 
words.    I  remember  when  "  O  ye  tears  "  was  sung 


252 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


to  a  hymn,  and  "  When  the  swallows  homeward 
fly  "  to  another.  National  airs  were  incorporated. 
In  like  manner  folk-songs  were  appropriated;  the 
latter  stood  the  transition  better  than  most,  as  they 
are  cast  in  the  mould  of  melody  likely  to  stand 
the  rack  of  time.  Even  Bacchanalian  ditties  were 
transformed;  it  would  not  do  to  let  the  devil 
have  all  the  good  tunes." 

At  last  the  shape  of  tune-books  took  a  change. 
It  began  to  "  square  up  " — in  form,  a  prefigure- 
ment  of  the  alteration  of  taste  which  should  happen 
after  a  while.  A  book  was  issued,  entitled  A 
Tune  Book  proposed  for  the  use  of  the  Congrega- 
tions of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  " — ordi- 
narily spoken  of  as  "  The  Tune  Book."  It  was  a 
semi-official  production.  The  House  of  Bishops 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  or  adopt  a  collec- 
tion of  tunes  to  be  used  in  connection  with  the 
*'  Psalms  and  Hymns."  The  membership  of  the 
committee  included  the  Rev.  Doctors  ^luhlenberg, 
Bedell,  and  Geer. 

The  contents  of  the  work  show  an  adherence  to 
a  dignified  standard.  There  is  no  trace  of  the 
ditty.  A  decided  tendency  toward  the  chorale 
may  be  discerned — which  is  not  surprising  when 
we  remember  the  early  Lutheran  associations  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg.  The  stately  notation 
by  minims  was  chosen  as  in  consonance  with  the 
character  of  the  compilation. 

In  its  day  the  '*  Tune  Book  "  had  a  great  run. 
It  was  not  superseded  until  after  the  "  Additional 
Hymns  "  had  made  their  appearance. 


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253 


Nevertheless,  Church  people  in  America  had 
gone  on  singing  the  "  Psalms  and  Hymns,"  those 
formerly  bound  with  the  Prayer  Book,  largely  to 
tunes  made  up  in  the  style  of  the  glee,  varied  now 
and  then  by  a  folk-song,  in  rare  cases  by  a  ditty. 
"  Retreat "  and  "  Rock  of  Ages,"  by  Thomas 
Hastings,  also  "  Heber,"  by  Kingsley,  are  excel- 
lent examples  of  worthy  favorites  fashioned  purely 
after  the  method  of  the  glee  or  part-song. 

The  chorale  had  little  hold  upon  us.  Unless 
the  congregation  sings  sturdily  as  in  Germany,  or 
at  least  universally  as  in  England,  a  chorale  set- 
ting must  be  a  failure.  Church  folk  think  about 
''Old  Hundred"  with  enthusiasm;  but  sometimes 
it  happens,  however  hard  they  try,  that  their  sing- 
ing of  it  is  apt  to  make  one  weary.  Just  before 
it  begins,  they  say  within  themselves — "  now  some- 
thing grand  is  coming  "  ;  they  call  up  zeal  and  en- 
ergy; but  after  the  event  they  feel  depressed,  dis- 
satisfied with  their  endeavor.  Once,  at  an  annual 
service  held  before  the  Commencement  of  a  Girls* 
School,  I  heard  as  a  Recessional,  "  Now  thank  we 
all  our  God,"  sung  to  Criiger's  Chorale,  by  light 
treble  voices  only,  and  accompanied  by  a  timid 
organ  of  six  or  seven  registers;  and  the  effect  was 
disastrous. 

In  England  the  history  of  psalmody  shows  vari- 
ations like  our  own.  The  glee  style  had  its  ex- 
ponents, but  many  of  the  older  composers  adopted 
the  form  of  the  chorale,  as  Mr.  Croft  in  "  St 
Ann's."  By  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury the  standard  had  fallen  far  below  that  of  Tallis 


254 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


or  Ravenscroft.  Two  tendencies  may  be  traced: 
the  one  running  parallel  with  the  chorale,  the 
other  patterning  after  the  secular  song  of  the  time, 
a  debased  sort  of  lyric.  As  a  witness, of  the  degra- 
dation of  taste,  it  may  be  mentioned  that  about  the 
year  1800  and  for  a  considerable  period  thereafter, 
the  most  popular  hymn-tune  in  England,  sung  to 
the  Advent  wording  "  Lo,  He  comes,"  was,  note 
for  note,  a  secular  air  probably  composed  for  the 
amatory  verses  beginning 

Guardian  angels,  now  protect  me, 
Send  me  back  the  youth  I  love. 

The  air  was  sung  by  Alistress  Anne  Catley  at 

The  Golden  Pippin";  moreover,  it  served  for 
the  accompaniment  of  a  hornpipe  danced  at  Sad- 
lers'  Wells.  Serious  objection  may  be  urged 
against  it,  not  only  on  account  of  its  low  origin, 
but  because  it  is  intrinsically  unfit  for  association 
with  sacred  subjects. 

Gradually  there  was  a  struggling  effort  to  attain 
to  better  things.  Dr.  Gauntlett  came  forward, 
drawing  attention  to  Gregorian  music  and  yet  in 
touch  with  modem  feeling,  for  he  was  chosen  by 
Mendelssohn  to  play  the  organ  part  at  the  first 
performance  of  Elijah,"  at  Birmingham  in  1846. 
Helmore  was  working  at  Plain-song.  Richard 
Redhead  was  in  the  field. 

There  was  a  stir  of  life  in  religion,  in  Church, 
which  demanded  a  new  expression.  It  craved 
sacred  songs  for  all  the  people,  but  it  needed  a 


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variation  from  strict  Plain-song  or  the  chorale. 
The  later  English  school  met  the  requirement.  It 
grafted  time-motive  "  and  melody  upon  the  stock 
of  the  chorale.  When  "  Hymns  Ancient  and 
Modern  "  appeared  in  1861,  the  light  shined  out 
complete  and  clear;  the  old  tree  put  forth  abun- 
dance of  blossoms  having  fragrance  and  grace. 
Some  of  us  remember  the  times  when  the  book 
"  Hymns  Ancient  and  ^^lodern  "  was  working  its 
way  in  America.  i\Iany  sympathetic  singers  felt 
at  once  the  innate  beauty  disclosed  by  Dykes, 
Elvey,  Gauntlett,  and  the  rest.  Parsons  tried 
hard  to  find  Sunday-school  services  and  other  un- 
rubrical  offices  in  which  these  settings  might  be 
introduced.  After  our  "  Additional  Hymns  "  came 
out  in  1865,  they  gladly  availed  themselves  of  the 
opportunity  to  announce,  in  regular  service,  Abide 
with  me  "  and  "  Sun  of  my  soul." 

No  doubt  the  English  book  was  received  with 
reservation  of  opinion.  Among  its  selections,  cer- 
tain of  the  more  mechanical  sort  did  not  take  hold. 
I  remember  the  reluctance  about  the  acceptance  of 
Swing's  setting  for  ''Jerusalem  the  golden";  it 
gained  ground  slowly,  and  only  by  association 
with  the  uplifting  and  inspiring  poem.  Other 
tunes  were  unpalatable.  I  recall  the  satirical  re- 
ceipt given  by  a  cleric  for  the  making  of  a  hymn- 
tune  like  some  of  these.  Said  he:  "  Put  your  eight 
notes  in  a  bag;  shake  them  well  and  draw  them  out 
as  they  happen  to  come — that  gives  you  your  air.'  " 

There  was  a  world  of  good,  however,  in  the 
new  compilation,  and  it  made  its  way.    One  clergy- 


256 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


man  met  another  in  his  study.  Said  he,  "  I  have 
found  a  good  tune  for  '  Oft  in  danger '  "  ;  forthwith 
he  proceeded  to  sing,  solo  unaccompanied,  Gaunt- 
lett's  setting  in  "  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern," 
now  a  household  word.  After  the  English  manual 
was  licensed  for  use  in  the  American  Church, 
Dykes'  splendid  strain,  "  Holy,  holy,  holy,"  and 
"  Our  blest  Redeemer  "  soon  found  ready  adoption. 

In  spite  of  the  direction  taken  by  foreign  psal- 
mody, the  tune-books  published  among  us  contin- 
ued to  follow  the  old  fashion.  Thrall's  "  Episcopal 
•Common  Praise,"  of  date  1867,  shows  scarcely  a 
trace  of  the  awakening.  In  the  preface  to  that 
book,  the  editor  speaks  still  of  Lowell  Mason  as 

Patriarch  in  the  cause  of  sacred  music." 

On  the  other  hand.  Dr.  Batterson  put  forth  his 
"  Missionary  Tune  Book,"  which  gave  recognition 
to  the  new  style,  although  it  did  not  forsake  the  old. 
Dr.  J.  S.  B.  Hodges  was  writing  and  pubHshing 
tunes  framed  after  the  later  English  fashion. 

Early  in  1870 — the  preface  is  dated  Advent,  1869 
— Doctor  Tucker  brought  forth  his  "  Parish  Hym- 
nal." In  so  far  as  American  tunes-books  went,  it 
was  like  a  lightning  flash  in  a  clear  sky.  It  was  a 
radical  departure;  it  cut  loose  from  all  of  our  past. 
There  was  not  merely  a  diminution  of  the  accepted 
bill  of  fare;  the  supplies  were  stopped.  Think  of  it! 
— a  tune-book  without  "  Martyn  "  or  Brattle 
Street,"  or  even  Hebron!  "  Here  were  brought 
forward,  herein  did  the  people  gain  happy  acquain- 
tance with  strains  written  by  Redhead,  Dykes,  Ouse- 
ley,  Barnby,  Monk,  Elvey,  and  Gauntlett.  German 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


257 


masters — Mendelssohn,  Schumann,  Haydn — were 
called  upon.  What  bravery  there  was  in  the  print- 
.  ing  of  "  From  Greenland's  icy  mountains  "  without 
Lowell  Mason's  tune!  The  audacity  is  empha- 
sized by  the  fact  that  no  fitting  tune  had  yet  been 
found  to  take  its  place.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  had  of- 
fered two,  but  both  had  failed  of  adoption. 

American  composers  were  not  wanting.  John 
Henry  Hopkins  was  in  evidence.  Dr.  Hodges 
contributed  "  O  day  of  rest  and  gladness "  and 

Bread  of  the  world  " — now  sung  practically  in 
every  parish  of  the  land.  Doctor  Tucker's  We 
sing  the  praise  of  Him  who  died  "  began  a  long 
career  of  beneficence;  the  same  may  be  remarked  of 
Mr.  Rousseau's  "  Ride  on,  ride  on  in  majesty  "  and 
his  ever  popular  "  Soldiers  of  Christ,  arise."  Since 
the  day  of  its  appearing,  Dr.  Warren's  Easter  Hymn 
has  been  incorporated  into  the  order  of  thousands 
of  services. 

Even  the  lighter  style  was  not  despised,  so  long 
as  it  had  something  to  ofifer.  The  Tune  Book  of 
St.  Alban's,  Holborn,  and  Boosey's  Household 
Music  "  furnished  that  which  was  tripping  on  the 
tongue. 

The  book  was  not  r  Church  Hymnal.  It  was 
planned  primarily  for  use  in  schools,  in  Bible  or 
Confirmation  classes,  or  upon  special  occasions. 
Nevertheless,  it  could  help  directly  the  music  of 
service.  As  a  portion  of  the  wording  was  already 
included  in  the  authorized  hymnal,  these  hymns 
could  now  be  sung  to  their  proper  tunes. 

Of  the  enlightened  psalmody,  the  "  Parish  Hym- 
17 


258 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


nal "  was  the  introducer;  toward  this  it  was  the 
educator.  It  stands  single  and  alone.  It  ac- 
complished a  new  thing  of  inestimable  benefit. 
Through  its  instrumentality  our  Church  singers 
made  acquaintance — and  that  a  pleasant  one — with 
the  better  way,  and  they  came  to  crave  it.  Before 
the  Hymnal  with  Tunes  "  was  issued,  the  work  of 
adoption  was  well  advanced. 

It  was  in  the  year  1872  that  our  people  first 
looked  upon  the  Church  Musical  Hymnal,  now 
known  as  the  "  First  Tucker."  Herein  and  hereby 
the  work  was  completed  which  had  been  begun  in 
the  preliminary  compilation.  Tunes  first  published 
in  that  book  were  transferred  to  these  later  pages. 
Here  was  a  happy  selection,  showing  thought  and 
skill,  with  a  prevailing  adherence  to  the  higher 
standard.  Compromise  there  was,  but  only  as  the 
music  followed  the  words.  The  larger  part  of  the 
tunes  is  the  workmanship  of  modern  English  writ- 
ers.   That  school  is  supreme. 

Nevertheless,  soon  after  the  publication  of  this 
work,  Doctor  Tucker  made  the  remark,  in  conversa- 
tion, that  he  did  not  pin  down  his  musical  faith  to 
the  limits  of  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern."  He 
had  a  liking  for  a  freer  and  more  flowing  style, 
which  yet  conformed  to  the  new  type.  For  ex- 
ample, he  introduced  in  his  new  book  Dr.  Cutler's 
"  The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war,"  which  has 
become  almost  exclusively  proper  "  for  the  words. 
And  as  in  the  former  publication,  St.  Alban's  Tune 
Book — representing  the  glee  side — is  made  use  of. 

John  Henry  Hopkins  contributed  his  Plain-song 


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259 


setting  of  "  The  Royal  Banners  forward  go,"  and 
other  standard  compositions.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  sent 
the  music  for    Jesu,  the  very  thought  of  Thee." 

It  is  pleasant  to  recall  the  enthusiasm  with  which 
this  book  was  received,  and  to  follow  the  change 
of  taste  brought  about  by  its  extensive  adoption. 
The  book  was  scattered  all  abroad;  it  appealed  to 
multitudes;  it  was  found  in  the  hands  of  almost 
every  chorister;  and  the  appetite  changed.  Our 
people — in  general — began  to  want  a  purer  provid- 
ing. They  stepped  to  the  nobler  level,  of  which 
they  had  learned  by  means  of  the  Tucker  message 
and  ministration.  It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that 
the  First  Tucker  Hymnal  "  wrought  a  revolution; 
it  achieved  the  victory;  it  made  the  new  style  not 
only  tolerable  but  popular.  It  won  the  masses  to 
the  liking  of  its  own  lofty  method. 

Whereas,  Christian  people  used  to  stand  round 
an  open  grave  and  sing  "  Hark!  from  the  tombs  a 
doleful  sound,"  set  to  a  tune  which  answered  the 
d'^scription,  viz.,  to  Timothy  Swan's  China,"  now 
under  similar  circumstances  we  hear  "  For  all  the 
saints,  who  from  their  labors  rest  "  set  to  Barnby's 
noble  lyric.  And  what  a  transformation  it  is !  We 
do  not  appreciate  it,  do  not  realize  the  importance 
of  the  step  upward,  to  the  highest  grade  of  psal- 
mody. And  the  remarkable  feature  of  it  all  is,  that 
this  stricter  and  grander  style  has  been  popularized. 
Many  is  the  time  that  I  have  noted  the  fact  that 
even  small  boys  belonging  to  amateur  choirs  show 
unfeigned  delight  in  these  strains  written  by  a 
master  of  music. 


26o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


After  this  the  way  was  made  easy  for  all  future 
compilers  of  our  tune-books.  The  standard  had 
been  set  up  and  multitudes  had  rallied  to  its  sup- 
port. In  large  degree  an  axiom  had  been  estab- 
lished that  the  music  of  the  Church  must  be  Church 
music  even  in  regard  to  the  hymn-melodies.  It 
was  only  natural  thereafter  that  musical  editors 
should  make  use  of  the  new  style.  It  was  a  fresh 
application  of  the  working  of  a  principle  of  imita- 
tion referred  to  by  Tennyson: 

All  can  raise  the  flower  now. 
For  all  have  got  the  seed. 

The  tendency  was  so  wide-spreading  that  it  in- 
fluenced the  compilers  of  tune-books  who  worked 
for  Christians  of  other  name,  representing  a  less 
ecclesiastical  sort  of  piety.  Witness  the  consider- 
able representation  accorded  to  the  modern  English 
school  in  Dr.  Robinson's  "  New  Laudes  Domini." 
Or  note  the  Evangelical  Hymnal  "  compiled  by 
Dr.  Hall  and  Lasar;  the  book  might  almost  be  con- 
sidered as  prepared  for  adoption  by  the  revived 
Church  of  England. 

Think,  then,  of  the  world-wide  influence  exer- 
cised by  the  modest  m?n,  priest-musician,  sitting 
in  his  study  on  Mount  Ida! 

Doctor  Tucker  used  to  say  that  there  were  two 
kinds  of  music — good  music  and  bad — and  that  he 
believed  in  the  use  of  the  good,  at  any  rate  for  the 
service  of  God.  So  he  set  up  his  banners  for  to- 
kens, in  the  "  Parish  Hymnal  "  and  in    Tunes  Old 


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261 


and  New  Adapted  to  the  Hymnal.''  And  he  con- 
verted the  whole  land  to  his  way  of  thinking;  he 
raised  the  standard  of  psalmody  from  Atlantic  to 
Pacific. 

The  choice  of  hymns — of  the  words — pertaining 
to  the  American  book  had  been  determined  by  the 
General  Convention  of  1871.  Thereafter  ensued  a 
controversy  in  the  Church  papers  about  the  desir- 
ability of  certain  selections.  ^Ir.  James  S.  Biddle 
published  critical  essays  in  the  Episcopal  Register. 
In  one  of  these  he  refers  to  Doctor  Tucker  as  the 

accomplished  hymnologist,"  and,  further,  "  fears 
that  we  are  drifting  into  a  sweet,  dreamy  sort  of 
Tennysonian  Kebleism — a  love-lorn  pietism."  The 
Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  writes  to  his  old-time 
schoolmate : 

Troy, 

Jan'y.  i6th,  1872. 

My  Dear  Biddle: 

I  have  read  with  much  interest  the  articles  in  the  Epis- 
copal Register.  But  I  must  say  at  the  outset,  that  I  do 
not  agree  with  you  in  your  judgment  of  Keble  and  his 
brood.  Yet  I  am  heartily  in  sympathy  with  you  when 
you  condemn  the  silly,  sickish  and  sensuous  idea  which 
some  good  people  seem  to  entertain  of  heaven.  Their 
ideal  of  heaven  is  hardly  as  real  and  reasonable  as  that 
of  the  pious  old  soul,  who  was  anticipating  the  pleasure 
of  wearing  her  Sunday  gown,  an  everlasting  clean  white 
apron,  and  eating  perennial  strawberries  and  cream. 

Why  should  we  not  be  real  and  reasonable  in  religion 
as  well  as  in  other  matters,  and  forego  all  "  cant  "  with 
respect  to  eternal  and  temporal  things? 

No  one  will  probably  recognize  the  Parson  of  Holy 
Cross  in  the  expression  "  accomplished  hymnologist,"  and 


262 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


yet,  I  must  own  that  it  is  pleasant  to  be  remembered  by 
a  friend  in  such  a  flattering  way. 

You  refer  to  hymns  which  are  to  be  used  in  connec- 
tion with  adoration,  such  as  "  The  God  of  Abraham 
praise,"  and  I  agree  with  you  in  thinking  that  this  is  the 
sort  of  hymns  which  should  be  used  all  but  exclusively 
in  a  Church  Hymnal.  But  I  imagine  that  the  Com- 
mittee acted  under  the  conviction  that  they  were  ap- 
pointed to  provide  religious  poetry  or  poetry  of  a  devo- 
tional kind,  which  could  be  used  elsewhere  than  in 
Church.  But  I  incline  to  the  opinion  that  many  of  the 
hymns  will  never  be  used,  in  private  or  in  public. 

Again,  the  Hymnal  is  lumbered  up  with  many  hymns 
which  from  the  crankiness  of  the  metre  are  not  singable, 
and  never  can  become  popular.  Two  hundred  hymns 
might  very  well  be  thrown  out  at  random,  and  no  harm 
done  to  the  interests  of  the  Church  and  evangelical  piety. 

The  Committee  did  not  in  my  humble  opinion  give 
enough  care  to  their  work.  They  did  not  rely  enough 
upon  their  own  taste  and  judgment,  but  condescended 
too  much  to  old  grannies  to  whose  ignorance  and  preju- 
dices they  seem  too  much  disposed  to  pander.  Think 
only  of  their  inserting  a  hymn  for  "  The  Churching  of 
Women,"  and  not  providing  a  hymn  for  the  Annuncia- 
tion of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary! 

I  am  very  glad  that  you  have  called  attention  to  the  dis- 
tinction of  O  and  Oh! — an  exclamation,  by  the  way,  that 
has  become  somewhat  more  common  since  the  production 
of  the  Committee's  labors  has  come  before  the  eyes  of  the 
Church. 

Your  articles,  I  am  sure,  must  do  good  eventually. 

Ever  most  truly  as  of 
old,  your  friend 

J.  Ireland  Tucker. 

James  S.  Biddle,  Esq. 

Phil'a. 


Not  long  before  the  assembling  of  the  next 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  263 

General  Convention,  Doctor  Tucker  writes  again; 
he  still  objects  to  the  selection  of  the  hymns. 

Troy, 

April  8th,  1874. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Biddle: 

Please  excuse  my  tardiness  in  replying  to  your  note  of 
the  I2th  ult. 

I  have  the  best  authority  for  attributing  No.  433  to 
Prof.  John  De  Wolfe.  One  of  his  relations  now  living, 
I  believe,  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  claims  it  as  a  family 
heirloom.    .    .  . 

With  respect  to  alterations  in  the  Hymnal,  I  am  in 
favor  of  omissions.  When  I  return  from  a  visit  to  New 
York,  I  will  write  you  again,  and  tell  you  what  I  would 
throw  out.  I  need  now  only  say  that  in  some  instances 
the  hymns  are  unsingable  and  can  never  be  used  as 
"  Spiritual  songs." 

I  am  very  glad  to  know  that  you  are  giving  your  atten- 
tion to  this  matter  of  revision.    I  would  advise  in  the  in- 
terest of  the  publishers  not  to  make  too  many  alterations. 
Ever  yours  most  truly 

J.  Ireland  Tucker. 

Mr.  James  S.  Biddle,  Pa. 

When  Mr.  Biddle  kindly  forwarded  the  letters 
here  quoted,  he  wrote:  We  were  not  correspond- 
ents, and  I  believe  he  was  wont  to  neglect  answer- 
ing letters.  You  know  Palmerston  used  to  say  that 
it  was  all  fudge — this  punctuality  about  replying 
immediately:  that  if  you  let  things  be,  most  letters 
answered  themselves  in  three  or  four  days.  This 
was  Dr.  T.'s  practice,  I  suppose." 

Every  now  and  then  I  have  heard  remarks,  made 
by  those  who  knew  him  best,  to  the  effect  that 

% 


264 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Doctor  Tucker  did  not  like  to  write  letters.  A 
complaint  has  come  to  hand,  from  one  who  by  let- 
ter had  begged  permission  to  reprint  a  tune  from 
the  Hymnal,  that  no  answer  was  vouchsafed.  Far- 
ther back  in  time,  when  I  was  the  ecclesiastical 
neighbor  of  Doctor  Tucker,  I  once  wrote  him, 
asking  for  suggestions  about  a  question  of  service: 
up  to  the  present  no  answer  has  been  received. 

The  appetite  grows  by  what  it  feeds  on,  for  it 
became  evident  later  that  he  went  so  far  as  not 
to  open  many  letters  addressed  to  him.  He  de- 
ferred the  ceremony  associated  with  an  unpleasant 
result.  After  he  had  been  called  hence,  a  consid- 
erable number  of  unopened  letters  was  found  among 
his  effects. 

The  Doctor  used  to  plead  for  himself  in  justifi- 
cation of  his  neglect  about  correspondence,  that  as 
his  mail  increased  it  brought  so  many  begging  let- 
ters— by  the  wholesale — also  missives  asking  what 
organ  builder  should  be  employed,  or  what  bell 
founder;  or  what  priest  should  be  called  to  a  vacant 
parish,  or  where  a  family  servant  might  be  pro- 
cured, that  it  became  impossible  to  keep  up  with 
the  rapid  ratio  of  the  multiplication  of  these  epis- 
tles. He  was  forced  to  take  refuge  in  a  masterly 
inactivity. 

His  matured  feeling  was  evidenced  by  a  remark 
made  when  his  organist  and  coworker  was  abroad. 
Mr.  Rousseau  had  found  illustrated  postal  cards, 
containing  pictures  of  European  resorts.  Some  of 
these  he  had  used  in  the  writings  sent  to  his  home. 
They  contained  a  few  condensed  phrases  in  the 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


265 


Style  of  a  telegram.  One  of  these  was  picked 
up  by  Doctor  Tucker,  who  looked  at  it  and  said: 
"  How  much  better  that  is  than  a  great  long  letter!  " 

The  failing — if  such  it  be — has  been  referred  to 
as  the  only  flaw  in  the  character  of  Doctor  Tucker. 
Xo  one  knew  of  any  other.  And  whenever  this 
little  foible  is  remembered,  his  dear  friends  smile 
affectionately,  as  when  they  used  to  be  gladdened 
by  his  genial,  joyful  presence.  They  are  happy  to 
think  that  their  saint,  true  exponent  of  the  title,  was 
yet  a  human  being. 

Despite  the  peculiarity,  correspondence  went  on 
briskly  about  the  time  of  the  appearance  of  the  first 
musical  Church  hymnal.  To  its  editor  many  let- 
ters were  sent,  some  of  which  are  at  hand.  It  will 
be  interesting  to  quote  portions  of  these  answers 
to  inquiry;  so  we  may  have  a  glimpse  at  the  inside 
working,  the  making  of  a  renowned  manual.  Fur- 
ther, it  may  be  a  satisfaction  to  unprofessional  folk 
to  note  how  musical  composers  talk  when  they 
make  use  of  the  ordinary  language  of  speech.  Some 
of  their  names  are  recorded  high  up  upon  the  tab- 
lets of  the  temple. 

Glebe  Field, 

Stoke  Newington, 
*  Jan.  5,  1872. 

My  Dear  Sir: 

Your  first  letter  did  reach  me,  and  I  congratulated  my- 
self on  the  good  fortune  which  had  brought  me  so  kind 
a  greeting  from  the  "  other  side  of  the  Atlantic."  But  I 
had  the  ill-luck  or  ill-management  to  lose  the  letter:  how, 
I  cannot  tell,  in  coming  home  from  King's  College:  and  I 
could  not  recall  your  address:  so  I  had  it  not  in  my  power 
to  thank  you. 


266 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


I  now  lose  no  time  in  acknowledging  your  second 
favor,  received  this  morning,  and  hope  to  post  the  tunes 
for  which  you  ask  me,  by  the  mail  following. 

You  seem  to  "  reckon  up  "  the  doings  in  the  old  country 
at  short  intervals,  or  you  would  not  have  been  aware  of 
my  concern  with  the  Scottish  Hymnal. 

I  had  a  copy  sent  me,  some  time  since,  of  the  volume 
brought  out  in  1859  by  the  "  Committee  appointed  for  the 
purpose  by  the  House  of  Bishops"  at  New  York:  but  it 
has  not  struck  me  as  exhibiting  a  high  taste  in  Church 
music.  In  the  intervening  20  years  you  have  been,  I  dare 
hope,  able  to  make  some  advances,  tho'  one  picks  up 
from  American  friends,  now  and  then,  little  bits  of  in- 
formation which  do  not,  so  far  as  they  go,  indicate  any- 
thing like  strictness,  in  the  popular  feeling. 

We  must,  of  course,  labor  on  to  keep  up  and  improve 
that  feeling,  while  we  try,  too,  to  give  the  people  some- 
thing they  can  sing  with  pleasure. 

With  all  good  wishes  for  the  New  Year, 

Very  truly  yours 

W.  H.  Monk. 

The  Rev.  J.  Ireland  Tucker,  &c.  &c. 

The  same  correspondent  writes  on  the  7th  of 
April : 

You  will  be  interested  to  know,  perhaps,  that  I  am 
just  asked  to  correct  for  the  press  a  collection  of  Chants 
for  the  Scotch  Presbyterian  Church — the  authorities  of 
which  are  about  for  the  first  time  to  try  to  introduce 
the  practice — not,  as  some  of  them  think,  to  succeed  in 
our  tifne, 

Texbury, 

Jan.  1st,  1872. 

Rev'd.  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  am  a  bad  hymn  writer;  it  is  by  no  means  my  forte. 
But  if  you  will  send  me  some  words  to  which  you  wish 
music  set,  I  will  do  what  I  can  with  pleasure. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


267 


You  speak  of  terms.  Under  ordinary  circumstances  I 
would  of  course  make  you  a  present  of  any  work  of 
mine.  But  I  am  collecting  money  for  rebuilding  my 
organ,  and  therefore,  without  naming  any  sum,  I  will 
merely  say  that  I  will  thankfully  receive  any  contribu- 
tion you  may  like  to  make  towards  the  above  object, 
by  way  of  acknowledgment  of  the  hymn  tunes  I  hope  to 
send  you. 

I  have  by  no  means  forgotten  our  intercourse  at  Rome 
in  1851,  especially  our  very  pleasant  musical  evenings  at 
Miss  Seeley's.  If  ever  you  come  to  this  part  of  the  world, 
I  hope  you  will  come  to  see  me,  and  I  will  let  you  hear 
some  really  first-rate  Church  music,  and  I  can  introduce 
you  to  some  of  the  finest  organs,  organists  and  choirs 
in  the  world. 

Believe  me 

Yours  very  truly 

Frederick  A.  Gore  Ouseley. 

Dr.  Dykes  is  modest  when  he  comes  to  speak  of 
remuneration,  although  his  contributions  are  second 
to  none  in  value. 

St.  Oswald's  Vicarage, 

Durham,  England, 

Jan.  13,  1872. 

My  Dear  Sir: 

I  must  oflfer  my  sincere  apologies  for  my  long  delay  in 
answering  your  obliging  letters. 

Two  difficulties  have  presented  themselves  to  me  in 
reference  to  your  letter:  ist,  the  question  of  terms:  2nd, 
the  character  and  authority  of  the  proposed  book  itself. 

To  begin  with  this  second  point.  I  was  puzzled,  not 
long  after  receiving  your  first  obliging  letter,  by  receiving 

a  communication  from  Mr,   ,  informing  me  that  he 

was  appointed  musical  Editor  of  the  American  Hymnal  to 
which  you  referred,  and  requesting  me  to  help  him  in 
his  work. 


268 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


So  the  question  arises:  are  yourself  and  he  engaged  in 
the  same  work?  Is  yours  a  mere  private  speculation,  or 
his,  or  both  ?  Or  are  they  both  undertaken  with  the 
sanction  of  the  Convention?  Are  they,  in  fact,  opposi- 
tion works,  or  are  they  not?  For  it  seems  a  pity  that 
there  should  be  a  division  of  energy  and  forces,  a  fritter- 
ing away  of  resources.  Much  better  that  there  should  be 
a  combination,  so  as  to  have  one  strong  book  instead  of 
two  weak  ones. 

Then  as  to  terms.  I  have  never  been  accustomed  to 
write  for  money,  although  I  have  frequently  had  an 
"  Honorarium  "  sent  me  for  work  done.  I  therefore 
seem  hardly  to  know  what  is  a  fair  remuneration  to  ask 
for  tunes  sent. 

As  far  as  feeling  is  concerned  I  would  mu-ch  rather  not 
take  anything.  But  when  a  man  has  a  large  parish,  and 
a  family  growing  up,  and  is  not  overburdened  with  this 
world's  goods,  and  finds  considerable  difficulty  in  mak- 
ing both  ends  meet,  I  suppose  there  is  nothing  objec- 
tionable in  his  resorting  to  any  legitimate  means  which 
GOD'S  good  Providence  may  throw  in  his  way  for  en- 
abling him  to  pay  his  just  and  lawful  debts,  and  obtain 
a  little  help  for  those  who  are  dependent  on  him. 

Often  as  I  have  contributed  to  Hymnals,  the  first  and 
only  time  that  I  ever  received  so  much  per  tune,  was  in 
the  case  of  the  very  last  work  that  I  wrote  for.  In  this 
case  the  Editor  insisted  on  sending  me  3  guineas  for 
every  tune.  I  told  him  that  it  seemed  to  me  a  good 
deal:  but  he  never  would  send  less. 

There  is  one  benefit  in  keeping  the  remuneration 
rather  high,  as  it  prevents  the  needless  multiplication  of 
tunes.  And  really,  we  are  being  so  deluged  with  tunes 
nowadays  (I  myself  am  sometimes  quite  bewildered  with 
applications  from  all  kinds  of  quarters)  that  I  am  disposed 
to  consider  any  reasonable  check  upon  their  too  exuberant 
production  a  real  benefit. 

However,  I  would  almost  rather  that  you  yourself 
should  suggest  what  you  consider  a  proper  remuneration 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


269 


for  tunes,  as  I  have  no  desire  to  do  anything  unreasonable. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  tunes  for  the  3  hymns  you  were 
good  enough  to  forward  to  me.  "  Rock  of  Ages,"  of 
course,  is  a  beautiful,  almost  unequalled  hymn.  But 
why  not  have  all  4  verses? 

The  other  two  hymns  I  do  not  think  much  of.  I  hope 
they  are  not  a  specimen  of  the  average  hymns  in  the 
Authorized  Hymnal.  I  have  done  my  best,  and  set  them 
to  tunes  of  a  rather  melodious  character,  as  I  suppose  in 
your  country  there  is  a  feeling  for  and  appreciation  of 
melody;  and  if  the  people  cannot  get  good  religious  melo- 
dies, they  will  get  hold  of  secular  melodies  for  their 
hymns. 

Any  more  hymns  that  you  may  think  good  to  send  me, 
I  shall  be  happy  to  endeavor  to  set,  to  the  best  of  my 
power. 

With  kind  regards  and  renewed  apologies  for  my  delay, 
I  beg  to  remain 

My  Dear  Sir 
Very  faithfully  yours 

John  B.  Dykes. 
P.  S. — I  am  not  now  Precentor  of  Durham.    I  resigned 
that  office  when  I  took  my  present  living. 

Dr.  Dykes  writes  again,  on  the  29th  of  April, 
from  Firgrove  Lodge,  Weybridge,  Surrey: 

Having  been  away  from  home  for  some  little  time, 
and  on  the  move,  it  is  only  a  few  days  ago  that  I  received 
your  kind  and  friendly  note  with  the  enclosed  cheque, 
for  which  I  beg  to  offer  you  my  best  thanks. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  of  you,  explanation  of  Mr.   's 

relations  with  the  General  Convention,  that  they  are  not 
of  any  direct  and  formal  nature;  for  I  had  rather  gathered 
from  his  communication  that  he  and  he  alone  was  author- 
ized to  edit  the  musical  edition  of  the  Hymnal. 

Would  it  be  possible  to  obtain  a  copy  of  this  Hymnal 


270 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


in  England?  For,  if  so,  it  would  probably  be  more  con- 
venient (in  case,  at  any  future  time,  you  should  require 
help  from  me)  that  you  should  simply  refer  to  the  num- 
ber of  the  hymn  or  hymns  for  which  you  are  in  want  of 
a  musical  setting,  than  that  you  should  send  me  loose 
slips  which  are  always  in  danger  of  being  lost. 

Moreover  I  should  feel  more  interest  in  the  work,  were 
I  to  see  it  in  its  entireness,  and  learn  something  of  its 
general  tone  and  character.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  your 
account  of  it:  but  with  the  divided  state  of  parties  in 
the  Church,  what  is  one  to  expect  from  an  authorized 
manual  representing  all  parties,  but  a  somewhat  colorless 
and  timid  production?  Our  "  Hymns  Ancient  and  Mod- 
ern "  being  a  private  work,  has  been  an  immense  boon 
to  our  Church  at  home,  and  has  stopped,  at  least  for  a 
time,  any  attempt  at  an  authoritative  hymnal.  It  has 
been  wonderfully  blessed  by  GOD  in  greatly  raising  the 
tone  of  the  Churchmanship  throughout  the  English  Com- 
munion. 

Let  the  many  American  composers  be  repre- 
sented by  a  single  example,  as  follows: 

Burlington,  Vt., 

Feb.  5,  1872. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother: 

Yours  is  just  received.  I  leave  tomorrow  for  Malone, 
to  attend  the  Convocation  of  Ogdensburgh,  and  shall  not 
be  back  for  several  days.  So  I  send  you  the  music  for 
the  Dies  IrcB  at  once,  without  the  words — not  knowing 
how  they  may  have  been  cooked  by  the  Committee.  If 
the  last  three  couplets  have  been  arranged  as  two  trip- 
lets, you  will  set  them  to  the  first  of  the  three  strains. 
.  .  .  It  is  a  botch  if  they  have  done  it,  though!  Those 
couplets  are  an  exquisite  relief  after  the  long  continu- 
ance of  the  other. 

I  can't  bear  the  idea  of  setting  the  Vexilla  Regis  to 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


271 


anything  but  its  own  tune,  but  the  compressed  form  of 
the  melody  is  more  manageable  to  modern  ears  than  the 
more  expanded  which  is  given  in  H.  A.  &  M.  I  send  a 
barred  and  countable  modernization,  which  perhaps  may 
answer. 

I  send  you  also  an  arrangement  of  the  glorious  old 
Pange  Lingua,  which  is  less  cranky  than  some.  It  may 
not  be  unwelcome. 

As  to  brother  X — may  brother  X  be  criticized! 

Yr.  ob't.  serv.  in  the  Church 
J.  H.  H. 
[John  Henry  Hopkins.] 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker. 

The  first  Children's  Hymnal  "  came  out  in  the 
year  1874.  Among  the  letters  at  hand,  there  are 
some  dated  that  year,  signed  by  names  to  be  re- 
membered, such  as  Arthur  S.  SuUivan  and  John 
Hullah.  The  book  of  1874  was  notable  not  only 
on  account  of  its  contents — which  according  to  its 
own  announcement  were  planned  for  little  ones  who 
"  may  be  disposed  to  sing  Sacred  music  more  fre- 
quently than  on  one  day  of  the  week  " — but  also 
for  the  quite  charming  illustrative  pictures  scat- 
tered through  its  pleasant  pages. 


XV 


THE  MIDDLE  AGE 

It  was  not  until  the  year  1873  that  the  present 
writer  paid  his  first  visit  to  the  Church  of  the  Holy 
Cross  and  to  the  Rectory  which  stands  by  its  side. 
There  he  was  impressed  first  of  all  by  an  unfailing 
hospitality.  There  too  he  breathed  a  pleasant  at- 
mosphere, that  of  a  home  where  the  priest  dwelt 
in  the  midst  of  music  and  pictures. 

Acquaintance  was  made  with  the  Church  build- 
ing, both  as  to  exterior  and  interior.  The  first  sug- 
gestion conveyed  by  the  structure  was  the  flavor 
of  an  old-world  existence,  also  of  a  style  of  Church- 
manship  representing  culture  and  religion. 

Conducted  into  the  school  by  its  pastor  and  chief 
instructor,  the  visitor  was  introduced  to  a  class  of 
bright  girls  gathered  about  a  grand  piano.  One 
of  the  teachers  took  a  seat  at  the  instrument,  to 
play  an  accompaniment.  Doctor  Tucker,  by  means 
of  a  baton,  conducted  the  singing  of  one  of  the  ex- 
ercises by  Concone.  These  well-known  composi- 
tions have  been  made  use  of,  in  many  localities,  for 
the  cultivation  of  the  solo  voice.  Here  they  were 
applied  to  the  vocal  training  of  a  large  class,  and 
with  eminent  success.  The  unison  was  delivered 
smoothly  as  by  a  single  well-trained  soprano,  the 


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273 


intonation  was  true  and  the  phrasing  just.  The 
singing  of  that  exercise  is  remembered  vividly  even 
to  this  day. 

After  a  return  to  the  Rectory,  there  was  af¥orded 
an  illustration  of  the  playfulness  which  welled  up 
in  the  every-day  life  of  the  Rector. 

It  has  been  said  that  he,  early  in  life,  made  choice 
of  an  ascetic  career.  Distinctly  and  resolutely,  he 
did  renounce  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  the  world. 
But  he  was  never  an  ascetic  in  disposition.  He 
was  a  happy  man  himself,  and  he  cared  more  than 
all  else  to  make  other  people  happy. 

The  example  referred  to  occurred  in  the  way 
of  table  talk.  For  some  cause  the  conversation 
had  turned  upon  the  administration  of  Baptism  in 
Church.  Speaking  of  the  deportment  of  babies 
under  the  circumstances,  Doctor  Tucker  remarked 
in  passing  that  he  had  noticed  this:  that  if  infants 
cried  at  all,  they  were  accustomed  to  begin  just 
w^hen  he  would  reach  that  part  of  the  service  which 
told  them  that  they  were  to  "  hear  sermons." 

Another  visit  and  a  Sunday  spent  in  Troy 
brought  further  disclosure  of  the  interest  attaching 
to  the  work.  Along  in  the  seventies,  some  of  the 
best  men  singers  were  engaged  to  help  only  at  the 
Choral  Evensong  on  Sunday  afternoons.  These 
would  drop  in  after  morning  service,  to  take  part 
in  a  full  rehearsal.  At  such  a  practising-time  it 
was  that  I  received  first  suggestion  of  the  "  swell- 
ing anthems  "  as  sung  by  the  famous  choir. 

At  Evensong  I  made  further  discovery  about 
the  basis  of  that  fair  fame. 
18 


274 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  Choral  Service  was  impressive,  pure,  and 
round-toned.  Manifestly  it  meant  praise.  There 
was  a  trace  of  independency  about  the  method  of 
the  Choral  use,  owing  no  doubt  to  the  fact  that  the 
Church  was  a  pioneer,  starting  out  with  no  tradi- 
tions. For  example,  not  only  in  Gregorian  tones, 
but  at  the  beginning  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  the 
Creed,  there  was  no  Priest's  intonation";  cleric 
and  choir  began  together,  "  full "  at  once.  At 
the  time,  the  choir  was  using  the  Helmore  Psal- 
ter. The  delivery  of  fhe  psalms  was  unhurried, 
thoughtful,  and  reverential. 

But  especially  notable  was  the  music  of  anthems, 
now  soft  and  persuasive,  now  rising  into  a  rolling 
tide  of  vocal  harmony,  a  solid  and  satisfying  re- 
verberation of  chords.  There  never  was  anything 
else  just  like  it. 

The  quality  of  tone,  loud  or  gentle,  was  always 
musical.  The  altos  were  phenomenally  rich  and 
effective.  Both  sopranos  and  altos,  and  they  were 
many,  sang  with  voices  fresh  and  yet  mature.  One 
must  think  perforce  about  the  cultivation  of  tone 
and  of  its  unusual  effectiveness.  The  results  of 
skilful  training  were  evident  in  every  note.  Yet 
the  art  was  concealed;  no  chorus  singing  was  ever 
more  spontaneous  and  unshackled. 

The  voice  culture  of  the  choristers  and  the 
musicianship  of  their  reverend  instructor  found 
their  peculiar  province  in  that  part  of  the  service 
devoted  to  the  anthem.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  this  Church  started  in  the  one  way — assign- 
ing a  prominent  position  to  the  standard  compo- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


275 


sition  of  florid  music.  So  it  has  continued  without 
variation,  and  so  it  gave  example  to  the  Church  in 
all  America,  as  influential  as  the  other  initial  sug- 
gestions about  Choral  use,  or  the  surplice  in  the 
pulpit,  or  flowers  over  the  altar,  or  the  Offertory  as 
ah  act  of  worship. 

At  a  later  day,  when  Bishop  Doane  wrote  a  brief 
introduction  to  a  pamphlet  containing  the  words 
of  anthems,  he  gave  testimony  about  the  singing 
of  standard  compositions  at  the  Holy  Cross. 

Dr.  Warren  at  my  request  has  made  the  following 
selections  of  anthems  from  those  in  use  of  late  years 
at  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  in  Troy.  I  have 
greatly  desired  that  our  Cathedral  use  should  take  its 
flavor  from  this  most  dear  and  sacred  place,  which  has 
been  the  fons  et  origo  of  Choral  worship  in  the  Ameri- 
can Church:  of  whose  beloved  foundress  Dr.  Warren 
carries  on  the  name  and  the  benefactions;  and  where 
my  dear  friend  and  brother  Dr.  Tucker  has  ministered 
for  so  many  years,  pattern  of  Priests  and  pioneer  of 
Precentors. 

As  I  left  the  place.  I  recalled  a  phrase  of  the  same 
Bishop,  occurring  in  an  address,  in  which  he  speaks 
of  the  "  lovely  Evensong  of  the  Holy  Cross." 

Is  it  any  wonder  that  Doctor  Tucker  was  accus- 
tomed to  boast  of  his  girls?  Indeed  it  seemed  to 
be  only  by  virtue  of  Christian  fortitude  that  he 
could  tolerate  any  other  sort  of  choir.  I  remember 
one  morning  in  Albany,  at  the  temporary  Chapel 
of  All  Saints,  when  the  first  Cathedral  choir  was  yet 
new  and  little  trained. 

As  was  their  custom,  the  boys  were  in  the  chapel, 


276 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


practising  for  the  daily  Choral  Evensong.  They 
had  just  rehearsed  the  Psalter,  to  be  sung  that 
afternoon.  Immediately  after,  I  went  out  into  the 
chapter  room,  where  Doctor  Tucker  happened  to 
be  waiting.  He  spoke  of  the  progress  made  by  the 
new  choir,  and  in  particular  of  their  success  in 
chanting,  mentioning  their  unanimity  and  distinct- 
ness in  the  enunciation  of  the  words.  "  But," 
said  he,  "  they  sound  like  cats.  All  boys'  voices 
sound  like  cats."  He  was  thinking  of  his  girls  at 
Holy  Cross. 

The  healthful  popularity  of  the  incumbent  was 
not  subject  to  change  or  diminution.  Somewhere 
about  1874  he  received  a  call  to  accept  the  charge 
of  St.  Paul's  parish  in  Troy.  The  invitation  con- 
veyed an  especial  compliment,  as  it  was  addressed 
to  one,  resident  in  the  midst  of  this  people  during 
thirty  years;  it  issued,  too,  from  the  mother  Church 
of  the  region.  It  was  thought  for  a  time  that  Doctor 
Tucker  would  accept.  He  had  the  matter  under 
serious  consideration.  Some  of  his  own  parish- 
ioners were  so  sure  of  his  going  that  they  made  ap- 
plication at  St.  Paul's  to  secure  pews,  so  that  they 
might  be  ready  to  follow  their  shepherd. 

This  was  one  of  the  many  calls  to  other  posts  of 
usefulness.  Besides  those  already  mentioned,  in- 
vitations were  extended  by  the  parishes  of  the  Ad- 
vent in  Boston;  St.  John's,  Washington,  also  by 
the  authorities  at  Nashotah,  seeking  a  successor 
for  the  lamented  Dr.  De  Koven.  Moreover,  far 
back  at  the  beginning  of  the  Troy  rectorship,  it 
was  given  out  by  Major  Tucker  that  his  son  was 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


277 


soon  to  go  to  Dr.  Muhlenberg,  to  labor  with  him 
in  New  York  City. 

Between  the  mother  parish  in  Troy  and  the 
daughter  upon  the  hill  there  has  always  existed  a 
kindly  feeling.  The  circumstances  connected  with 
the  origin  of  the  latter,  of  its  going  out  from  the 
parent  hive,  were  indicative  not  of  strife  or  con- 
trariety, but  of  a  religion  pure  and  undefiled. 

The  St.  Paul's  people  always  cherished  for  Doc- 
tor Tucker  himself  an  admiration  second  only  to 
that  prevalent  among  his  own  parishioners.  The 
sentiment  came  to  the  surface  when  there  was  an 
informal  celebration  of  the  fortieth  anniversary  of 
his  Rectorship. 

At  Christmas  time  in  the  year  1884  there  hap- 
pened a  Surprise  Party."  The  Doctor  had  no 
premonition  of  the  celebration  in  so  far  as  it  re- 
lated to  himself.    He  was  completely  surprised. 

The  report  of  A  Notable  Christmas  "  may  be 
quoted  from  a  newspaper  of  the  day,  dated  Decem- 
ber, 1884: 

One  of  the  most  noteworthy  of  the  Christmas  gather- 
ings that  have  taken  place  this  season  was  the  Christ- 
mas-tree celebration  at  the  Mary  Warren  Free  Institute, 
Christmas  eve,  commemorating,  as  it  did,  the  fortieth 
anniversary  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker's  pastorate  over  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  Although  appreciating  Dr. 
Tucker's  well  known  aversion  to  anything  like  ostenta- 
tious parade,  yet  the  trustees  of  the  school  individually 
determined  that  an  occasion  that  rounded  so  unusually 
long  and  successful  a  ministry  should  not  pass  unno- 
ticed. At  their  request  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  kindly 
accepted  their  invitation  to  be  their  representative,  and 


278 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


accordingly  on  Wednesday  evening  at  the  school-room 
of  the  Mary  Warren  Free  Institute,  where  the  pupils  of 
the  school  and  a  large  number  of  the  congregation  and 
the  friends  of  the  Messrs.  Warren  had  assembled,  Bishop 
Doane  presented  to  Dr.  Tucker,  in  behalf  of  the  trustees, 
elegant  and  unique  testimonials,  in  solid  silverware,  of 
their  love  and  aftection  for  their  revered  Rector.  The 
Bishop  prefaced  his  remarks  by  alluding  to  his  being  the 
representative  of  Albany,  which  was  originallj'-  settled  by 
the  Dutch,  whose  patron  saint  was  St.  Nicholas,  and  that 
he  therefore  was  the  direct  representative  of  that  good 
saint,  a  most  happy  fact  in  view  of  the  pleasant  task  be- 
fore him.  He  also  paid  a  high  tribute  to  Dr.  Tucker  for 
the  good  he  had  done  during  his  long  connection  with 
the  Holy  Cross  Church.  He  said  that  as  a  Bishop  one 
of  the  most  discouraging  as  well  as  unpleasant  features 
of  his  work  was  the  oft-recurring  changes  between  pastor 
and  people,  and  that,  therefore,  he  felt  most  strongly  the 
force  of  the  occasion  they  were  then  commemorating. 
After  the  presentation  and  Dr.  Tucker's  reply,  in  which 
he  alluded  also  to  the  Bishop  and  claimed  the  honor 
of  having  first  associated  his  name  in  connection  with 
the  bishopric,  another  surprise  was  in  waiting  for  Dr. 
Tucker,  for  the  Rev.  Dr.  Harison  came  forward  and  in 
a  very  happy  preface  presented  the  Doctor  a  massive 
silver  "  loving  cup  " — a  poculuju  caritatis — a  gift  from 
the  Vestry  and  Wardens  of  old  St.  Paul's  Church.  Dr. 
Tucker  in  his  reply  referred  to  the  early  history  of  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  as  an  oft'-shoot  from  St.  Paul's, 
and  feelingly  alluded  to  Mrs.  Alary  Warren,  the  founder 
of  the  former  Church,  paying  a  most  affectionate  tribute 
to  her  memiory.  Nathan  B.  Warren  acknowledged  the 
tribute  paid  to  his  mother.  After  the  singing  of  carols, 
bountiful  gifts  were  distributed  to  the  scholars  from  a 
beautiful  Christmas  tree,-  when  the  assemblage  departed, 
all  wishing  the  Doctor  a  very  merry  Christmas  and  very 
many  of  them,  in  which  wish  the  community  heartily 
joins.  Dr.  Tucker  also  received  a  number  of  costly 
gifts  from  members  of  the  congregation. 


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279 


Mrs.  H.  C.  Lockwood,  parishioner  and  friend, 
was  absent,  detained  on  account  of  sickness;  she 
sent  her  own  greeting  in  the  form  of  a  poem,  which 
made  so  strong  an  impression  that  I  have  heard  it 
spoken  of  to  this  day. 

Five  years  later  brought  on  another  celebration 
retrospective  in  its  character.  Then  it  w-as  that  the 
Trojans  kept  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  the 
naming  of  their  city. 

On  Church  Night,"  at  a  great  public  meeting 
held  in  Music  Hall,  Doctor  Tucker  was  one  of  the 
speakers.  That  which  he  had  to  say  is  of  enduring 
interest — as  follows: 

Mr.  Chairman,  My  Reverend  Brethren  of  the  Clergy 
and  Fellow-Citizens  of  Troy:  Some  men  have  honors 
thrust  upon  them.  The  honors  which  I  bear  this  evening 
have  grown  upon  me,  like  the  ivy  upon  the  Church  wall. 
No  one,  I  fancy,  would  covet  or  claim  the  honors  which 
are  conferred  only  by  the  lapse  of  years.  As  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  I  have  gone  preaching  the  kingdom  of 
God  among  you  for  nearly  fifty  years — not  a  century 
plant,  but  something  more  than  a  semi-century  plant. 
I  am  not  to  the  manor — Van  der  Heyden  manor — born, 
but  am  an  adopted  citizen  of  Troy,  "  a  citizen  "  in  the 
language  of  St.  Paul,  as  I  feel,  "  of  no  mean  city." 

Why  have  I  stayed  here  so  long?  Why  have  I  resisted 
the  alluring  solicitations  of  occupying  "  a  larger  field  of 
usefulness?  "  Because  I  love  my  work,  and  my  faithful, 
generous  fellow-workers  at  Holy  Cross,  and  because  my 
feelmgs  have  helped  my  conscience,  and  every  year  I 
have  grown  less  willing  to  sever  ties  of  friendship  which 
bind  my  heart  with  the  hearts  of  my  fellow-citizens  who 
have  so  generously  extended  to  me  since  the  first  wel- 
come their  affection,  sympathy  and  regard,  and  I  am 
glad  that  I  have  been  allowed  to  stay  long  enough  to 


28o 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


be  with  you  on  this  joyous  occasion,  when  we  are  cele- 
brating the  naming  of  our  city.  This  is  a  matter  of  in- 
terest to  us  all.  But  what,  I  ask,  is  the  naming  of  a  city 
in  comparison  with  the  incident  of  giving  a  name  to  the 
richest,  most  generally  enlightened  and  principal  nation- 
ality in  the  world?  The  familiar  synonym,  wherever  the 
English  language  is  spoken,  of  the  United  States,  "  Uncle 
Sam,"  originated  in  this  city  on  Mount  Ida  or  along  our 
wharfs  in  the  year  1812,  where  the  provisions  for  the 
army,  which  were  marked  "  U.  S.,"  were  facetiously  said 
to  stand  for  "  Uncle  Sam  " — Uncle  Sam  Wilson,  one  of 
the  inspectors  of  military  stores  that  passed  through  this 
city. 

But  this  is  wandering  beyond  my  province.  When  I 
came  to  this  city  there  were  three  Episcopal  Churches, 
We  have  now  seven,  wit^  a  large  and  growing  interest 
in  the  Cathedral  of  All  Saints,  Albany.  Among  my  cleri- 
cal associates  and  pastoral  friends  four  have  been  ele- 
vated to  the  Episcopate,  Scarborough,  Starkey,  Worth- 
ington  and  Potter,  the  Bishop  of  New  York,  once  so 
closely  and  dearly  associated  with  St.  John's  parish;  and 
who,  from  his  elevated  position,  might  seem  now  to  rank 
as  metropolitan  of  our  Church  in  this  country.  Dr.  Van 
Kleeck,  for  many  years  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  parish, 
through  faithful  and  efficient  service  as  a  parish  priest, 
was  promoted  to  the  more  arduous  and  prominent  posi- 
tion of  secretary  of  our  Board  of  Domestic  Missions. 
Rev.  Dr.  Fairbairn,  for  years  Rector  of  Christ  Church, 
is  now  President  of  St.  Stephen's  College,  Annandale; 
and  there,  by  his  talents,  tact  and  energy,  has  acquired  for 
himself  and  college,  distinction  and  public  esteem.  Dr. 
Eliphalet  Potter,  President  of  Hobart  College,  who,  with 
personal  traits  and  gifts  that  win  afifection  and  respect, 
bears,  along  with  his  brother,  the  Bishop  of  New  York,  a 
"  claru7n  et  ve7ierabile  nofneii,"  may  be  regarded  as  the 
founder  of  the  free  Church  of  St.  Barnabas.  Dr.  J.  Pelham 
Williams,  late  Rector  of  St.  Barnabas',  who  recently  left 
us  with  regrets  and  good  wishes,  is  a  brother  honored 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


28 


for  his  scholarly  attainments,  genial  converse,  and  the 
faithful  maintenance  of  his  opinions  and  convictions. 
And  here  I  have  to  recall  the  names  of  Drs.  Walter  and 
Cox,  once  Rectors  of  St.  John's,  the  deep  theologian 
and  sharp  controversialist  Dr.  Coit,  the  faithful,  hard- 
working Harison,  a  man  who,  by  his  knowledge  of  canon 
law  and  zealous  energy,  belonged  to  the  Church  at  large 
rather  than  to  St.  Paul's  parish. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  which  we  fondly  call  our  mother 
Church,  like  the  eastern  banyan  tree,  has  dropped  her 
branches,  and  those  branches  are  growing  up  into  good 
and  stately  trees;  while  the  old  mother  Church  herself 
seems  to  renew  her  youth  and  blossoms  forth  in  "  the 
beauty  of  holiness,"  and  her  boughs  are  richly  graced 
with  "  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit." 

St.  John's  Church  is  closely  identified  with  the  first  enter- 
prise of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  foreign  field.    .    .  . 

In  this  city  was  introduced  the  Choral  service  through 
the  energy  and  liberality  of  my  worthy  friend  and  parish- 
ioner. Dr.  Nathan  B.  Warren,  a  name  identified  with  the 
progress  and  improvement  of  ecclesiastical  music  in  this 
country. 

Here  was  established  the  first  or  second  missionary 
Church  in  our  communion.  Here  was  the  first  observ- 
ance of  Saints'  days  and  the  Festival  of  the  Ascension. 
Here  the  first  Episcopal  minister  preached  in  a  surplice. 
Here  were  first  heard  in  one  of  our  Churches  the  old 
Gregorian  tones.  I  might  refer  to  other  novelties,  as 
they  were  once  called,  introduced  in  this  city,  and  which 
are  now  well-established  usages  throughout  our  com- 
munion. The  name  of  Troy  has  been  wafted  by  a  tide 
of  sacred  melody  over  oceans  to  the  Azores,  Japan, 
Greece  and  Rome,  and  brought  back  a  cheering  re- 
sponse even  from  the  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Eng- 
land, the  author  of  the  "  Book  of  Praise." 

By  reason  of  circumstances  I  feel  as  if  I  stood  here  this 
night  as  a  kind  of  representative  man  among  the  min- 
isters of  Troy.    We,  as  I  proudly  and  boldly  claim,  are 


282 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  guardians  of  the  palladium  of  Troy.  When  the  wily- 
Greeks  captured  and  destroyed  that  sacred  image  of 
Pallas,  the  patroness  of  Ilium,  Troy  fell.  The  palladium 
of  our  city  and  country  is  the  religion  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  For  that  religion  is  the  safeguard  of  our  civil 
rights  and  social  blessings.  The  clergy  are  the  sworn 
defenders  and  champions  of  our  holy  faith.  May  I  not, 
then,  my  fellow-citizens,  claim  for  us,  to  whom  are  en- 
trusted the  care  and  custody  of  your  choicest  privileges 
and  dearest  hopes,  your  hearty  sympathy  and  generous 
cooperation,  while  I  express  what  I  believe  is  the  senti- 
ment of  every  priest  and  minister  on  this  broad  platform, 
that  we  are  endeavoring,  each  according  to  his  convic- 
tions, his  conscience  and  ability,  "  to  keep  the  unity  of 
the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace?  " 

The  same  year,  1889,  was  marked  further  by 
an  important  enlargement  of  the  Church  fabric — a 
considerable  addition  to  the  length  of  the  chancel. 
When  this  new  chancel  was  consecrated  by  the 
Bishop,  the  men  of  the  choir  were  habited  for  the 
first  time  in  cassock  and  cotta.  Fortunately,  the 
girls  retained  their  uniform,  that  of  red  cloak  in 
winter  and  white  in  summer;  the  girls  have  never 
been  vested  in  men's  ecclesiastical  garments. 
Their  head-covering  took  the  form  of  a  Tam-o- 
Shanter  cap,  still  in  use.  In  the  connection  it  has 
been  remarked  that  the  motto  of  the  founder  of  the 
Church  w^as  She  is  not  afraid  of  the  snow  for  her 
household:  for  all  her  household  are  clothed  with 
scarlet."  The  words  are  chiselled  into  the  stone, 
around  the  fireplace  at  the  school. 

Processionals  were  started,  a  crucifer  taking  his 
place  at  the  head  of  the  line. 


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283 


By  the  latest  alteration  the  effect  of  the  impos- 
ing architecture  is  much  increased.  There  is  now 
an  unusual  length  of  nave  and  chancel.  When  the 
choir  is  in  place,  and  the  lights  burning,  at  a  Sun- 
day Evensong — always  held  at  five  o'clock — the 
impression  which  the  soul  receives  through  the  eye 
is  fit  counterpart  of  that  conveyed  by  the  organ  of 
hearing. 

The  Rector  referred  to  the  last  improvement  of 
the  structure  in  a  sermon  preached  in  April,  1894, 
on  the  semi-centennial  anniversary  of  the  laying  of 
the  corner-stone  of  the  Church. 

When  I  look  back  nearly  fifty  years  it  is  with  diffi- 
culty that  I  can  identify  myself  with  the  first  pastor  of 
the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  He  has  seen  so  many 
changes  in  the  edifice  itself  and  in  the  look  of  things! 
The  Church  has  grown  in  dimensions  and  has  gathered 
fresh  grace  and  beauty  with  its  years.  It  does  not  look 
like  the  little  Church  in  which  I  once  ministered.  Friends 
have  come  and  gone,  how  many  dear,  loving  and  much 
loved  friends!  I  have  many  more  parishioners,  as  I  feel, 
awaiting  me  with  prayers  and  hopes  in  Paradise  than  I 
now  can  reach  with  look  and  voice. 


/ 


XVI 


THE  LAST  HYMNAL 

The  editor  of  the  "  First  Tucker,"  which  in  its 
day  wrought  a  musical  revolution,  was  not  likely 
to  intermit  his  labors  in  the  one  department.  From 
time  to  time  he  put  forth  manuals  having  connec- 
tion with  the  service  of  song  either  in  school  or 
Church.  Among  these  there  is  a  compilation  en- 
titled Selections  and  Proper  Psalms  Set  to  Gre- 
gorian Tones,"  which  has  been  approved  by  use 
in  many  congregations  where  the  Psalter  is  sung  in 
such  wise  that  it  is  possible  for  the  people  to  take 
part. 

After  great  labor,  incommensurate  with  the  re- 
sult, the  General  Convention  of  1892  put  forth  a 
new  book  of  words  authorized  for  use;  it  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  musical  "  Hymnal  Revised  and  En- 
larged." This  was  published  in  January,  1894, 
near  the  close  of  the  beneficent  career.  Naturally, 
the  chief  editor  did  not  bestow  personal  work  upon 
the  compilation  to  the  same  extent  as  in  the  case 
of  the  "  Parish  Hymnal "  or  its  brilliant  successor. 
Much  was  left  to  the  coworker,  who  had  known 
for  years  the  wishes  and  opinions  of  his  primus. 

That  Doctor  Tucker  was  personally  concerned^, 
however,  in  the  preparation  of  the  last  Musical 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


285 


Hymnal  will  appear  from  an  examination  of  his 
correspondence.    For  example: 

5  Park  Side,  Cambridge. 

Feb'y.  23d,  1893. 

My  Dear  Sir: 

I  am  greatly  obliged  for  your  letter  of  Feb'y-  7th.  It 
is  always  a  great  pleasure  to  find  that  anything  one  has 
written  has  been  acceptable  in  choirs.  I  now  send  you 
two  settings  of  the  hymn  you  enclosed.  If  you  prefer  a 
plain,  diatonic  version,  you  will  probably  prefer  No.  i. 
In  No.  2  I  have  allowed  myself  considerably  more  free- 
dom in  harmonies  and  sentiment.  ...  I  receive  3 
guineas  for  a  tune.  My  contributions  to  the  completed 
"  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern,"  the  "  Quiver  "  and  other 
collections  have  been  paid  for  at  this  rate. 
Believe  me 

Yours  very  truly 

George  Garrett. 

The  Rev.  J.  Ireland  Tucker. 

The  result  of  the  above  correspondence  will  be 
noted  in  No.  256  of  the  Musical  Hymnal. 

Dr.  John  Stainer  returns  the  words  of  a  hymn, 
because  he  deems  it  unfitted  for  music  owing  to 
the  irregular  grouping  of  the  lines."  Later  he 
writes  again: 

Oxford,  England. 

May  22,  1893. 

Dear  Sir:  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  sending  me 
some  more  words  of  hymns.  As  soon  as  I  get  a  little 
leisure  I  will  try  my  hand  at  them,  but  I  cannot,  I  fear, 
hope  to  do  better  than  those  tunes  of  mine  already  much 
used;  e.  g.: 

The  Saints  of  God. 

I  need  Thee,  precious  Jesu. 


286 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  roseate  hues. 
Author  of  Life  Divine. 
There  is  a  heavenly  home. 
There's  a  friend  for  little  children. 
Christ  who  once. 

As  these  were  published  before  the  present  law  of  copy- 
right, they  are,  of  course,  at  your  disposal. 

In  the  latest  revision  of  "  Hymns  Ancient  and  Modern  " 
two  of  my  tunes  seem  to  be  much  liked  and  used. 

"The  God  of  Abraham  praise  (2nd  tune)  ";  this  makes 
a  useful  Processional;  only  if  you  adopt  it,  please  make 
the  last  line  as  I  wrote  it.    .    .  . 

"  The  Voice  that  once  in  Eden  "  is  also  in  this  Ap- 
pendix. As  the  copyrights  belong  to  me,  I  will  gladly 
give  you  leave  to  use  them. 

Of  course,  I  am  not  so  vain  as  to  assume  that  you 
wish  to  include  any  of  them,  but  I  shall  esteem  it  a  great 
favor  if  you  will  let  me  know  which,  if  any,  of  my  tunes 
you  are  intending  to  insert.    I  am 

Yours  faithfully 

John  Stainer. 

Sir  Robert  Stewart  addresses  the  coeditor,  re- 
ferring to  the  demand  for  melodious  writing: 

Friday,  14th  April  1893. 
40  Upper  Fitzwilliam  Street,  Dublin. 
My  Dear  Mr.  Rousseau: 

I  have  to  acknowledge  with  thanks  your  draft  on  Dub- 
lin, and  your  very  courteous  letter  accompanying  it.  I 
shall  hope  my  American  cousins  will  like  the  tune.  1 
am  one  of  those  who  believe  music,  devoid  of  melody,  is 
but  "  a  body  without  a  soul,"  and  I  also  believe  that  this 
object — melody — can  be  attained  without  falling  into  a 
vulgar  or  a  meretricious  style. 

I  don't  suppose  my  wife  and  I  shall  have  the  pleasure 


PRIEST- MUSICIAN 


287 


to  see  your  Chicago  marvels;  I  dread  the  sea  voyage 
too  much.  And  I  only  hope  your  shrewd,  sharp-witted 
countrymen  and  women,  will  not  too  hastily  judge  of 
the  Irish  art  of  music,  by  specimens  of  it  from  those  who 
are  ill-fitted  to  represent  it.  I  hear  of  some  who  will 
visit  your  shores  very  soon,  in  similar  capacity,  but  who 
go  solely  "  on  their  own  hook  "  (forgive  the  vulgarism) 
and  are*not  sent  out  by  any  respectable  or  respected  or- 
ganization, to  represent  this  singular,  curious,  but  gen- 
erally gifted  nation. 

Always  yours 

Robert  Stewart. 

Many  tunes  written  by  Arthur  Henry  Brown 
have  become  established  favorites.    His  setting  of 
The  day  is  past  and  over  "  is  often  on  the  lips  of 
them  that  sing.    A  message  from  him  will  be  of 
interest : 

Brentwood, 

April  8,  1893. 

My  Dear  Sir: 

I  hereby  desire  to  thank  you  for  your  draft,  duly  re- 
ceived, and  am  pleased  to  find  that  both  tunes  are  quite 
to  your  satisfaction.  By  this  post  I  am  sending  a  copy 
of  my  new  book  of  the  Festal  Harmonies,  for  your  ac- 
ceptance, together  with  an  Easter  Carol  that  has  recently 
appeared  in  one  of  our  English  Church  periodicals.  I 
will  not  forget  to  send  you  a  copy  of  the  Festival  Book 
[probably  of  the  extensive  Gregorian  Festival  in  London] 
which  will  doubtless  be  issued  in  a  week  or  so.  The  first 
two  Processionals  will,  I  think,  be  quite  to  your  liking. 
The  Anthem  is  not  my  choice,  and  I  wanted  to  have 
something  by  one  of  the  old  Cathedralists,  or  in  the  old 
Church  style,  at  least.  For  all  the  other  part  of  the  book 
I  am  entirely  responsible. 

I  am  not  at  all  likely  to  cross  the  Atlantic,  and  much 


288 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


prefer  terra firina.  The  English  Channel  or  the  German 
Ocean  have  sufficient  terrors  for  me,  and  these  I  have 
frequently  braved. 

Yours  very  truly 

Arthur  H.  Brown. 

The  new  book  is  now  making  its  way.  It  was 
adopted  at  once  in  places  distinguished  by  the 
setting  up  of  a  standard  of  pure  music.  Others  are 
finding  out  what  a  storehouse  of  good  is  here. 

Some  have  been  dismayed,  their  attention  dis- 
tracted, by  the  apparent  overplus — and  conse- 
quent over-weighting — of  new  compositions,  and 
in  particular  of  the  elaborated  sort  called  "  choir 
tunes."  There  may  be  a  larger  supply  of  the  lat- 
ter variety  than  that  required  by  the  average  con- 
gregation; but  there  was  an  evident  desire  on  the 
part  of  the  editors  to  meet  the  peculiar  demand 
which  exists  in  places  where  they  give  especial 
attention  to  musical  culture — as  at  the  Holy  Cross, 
or  at  St.  Paul's  School,  Concord. 

Nevertheless,  simple  tunes  are  not  wanting.  If 
sought,  they  will  be  found.  Neither  do  the  stand- 
ard favorites  fail  us.  An  examination  will  show 
that  each  distinctive  attribute  of  the  first  Musical 
Hymnal  is  retained  in  the  second.  Those  who 
have  learned  to  like  tunes  in  the  former,  will  find 
them  in  the  latter. 

As  to  the  introduction  of  new  melodies.  People 
fancy  that  they  have  an  exclusive  partiality  for  the 

old  tunes";  but  at  the  same  time  they  do  not 
care  to  sing  "  York  tune  "  all  the  while.  Their 
repertory  must  be  enlarged  at  times;  fresh  blood  is 


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needed  now  and  then.  Besides,  all  the  favorites 
were  new  once,  some  of  them  at  a  recent  date.  It 
has  been  less  than  half  a  century  since  Lowell 
Mason's  tunes  were  first  learned  as  novelties. 
Many  of  us  can  remember  when  "  Sun  of  my 
soul "  and  "  Our  blest  Redeemer  "  were  unknown 
in  America.  Dr.  Hodges'  "  Bread  of  the  world  " 
was  not  in  existence  then.  Ward's  tune  to  "  O 
Mother,  dear  Jerusalem,"  started  de  novo,  printed 
on  a  choir  festival  programme,  only  a  few  years 
since.  It  gained  ground  so  rapidly  that  it  was 
heard  in  many  diverse  localities  before  it  was 
printed  in  a  book. 

New  tunes  are  in  demand ;  people  ask  for  variety. 
The  novelties,  however,  have  to  be  tried  before 
they  are  approved.  The  time  of  trial  for  the  latest 
lot  has  not  yet  passed  away. 

It  is  not  at  all  unknown  that  one  familiar  with 
the  second  Musical  Hymnal  will  every  now  and 
then  make  a  fresh  discovery  of  beauties  before  un- 
noticed. Recently  a  clergyman,  who  uses  the  book 
in  his  parish,  spoke  with  enthusiasm  of  H.  W. 
Parker's  simple  but  charming  setting  of  All  my 
heart  this  night  rejoices."  He  had  just  heard  it 
sung,  had  found  it  a  gem  of  pure  water;  hitherto 
he  had  passed  it  by,  as  the  words  happen  to  be 
classed  under  the"  heading  of  "  Hymns  for  Chil- 
dren." The  like  experience  may  be  met  with 
having  reference  to  Doctor  Tucker's  noble  tune 
composed  for  "  Thou  art  the  way,  to  Thee  alone," 
and  to  many  other  compositions. 

The  last  Hymnal  is  more  cosmopolitan  than  the 
19 


290 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


first.  The  ideal  standard  set  up  in  the  "  Parish 
Hymnal"  could  not  be  maintained  in  its  entirety; 
for  example,  the  General  Convention  had  seen  fit 
to  incorporate  into  their  book  some  of  the  Moody 
and  Sankey  words,  and  perforce  the  ditties  must 
follow  them. 

Nevertheless,  this  latest  "  Tucker  Hymnal "  is 
a  credit  to  the  land  of  its  birth  and  to  the  national 
communion.  It  is  the  last  effort  in  the  domain 
of  that  art  much  loved  by  him  with  which  Doctor 
Tucker  had  connection;  and  it  is  still,  in  the  main, 
an  embodiment  of  the  principle  with  which  he 
started  out — that  the  music  sung  in  Church  must 
be  Church  music,  and  that  it  must  be  good. 


THE  CHOIR  OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS 


XVII 
THE  JUBILEE 

The  night  before  Christmas  —  year  1894  — 
brought  with  it  joy,  brightness,  and  brotherly 
kindness  even  more  than  that  which  pertains,  in 
the  ordinary  course,  to  the  festival  of  good  will. 
It  was  a  time  to  be  remembered. 

Then,  at  the  Holy  Cross,  began  the  celebration 
of  a  triple  Jubilee — fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  dawn 
of  this  pastorship,  of  the  opening  service  of  the 
Church,  and  of  the  establishment  of  the  Choral 
office  in  America. 

Already  at  half-past  six  the  light  shines  cheerily 
through  the  Gothic  windows,  streaming  out  into 
the  darkness.  Bells  are  chiming  in  the  tower. 
The  organ  tone  is  swelling,  jubilant,  reaching  far 
abroad,  where  multitudes  are  crowding  to  enter  in; 
soon  they  fill  the  place. 

Happiness  was  in  the  air.  Faces  glowed  with 
enthusiasm.  The  sacred  precincts  were  made 
sweet  with  roses,  fair  with  lilies,  and  fragrant  by 
the  branches  of  evergreen.  There  were  to  be  seen 
loving  cups  and  other  lasting  testimonials — silver 
and  golden — likewise  resolutions,  graven  upon 
parchment,  of  imposing  proportions. 


292 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


The  clock  strikes  seven.  After  a  sudden  hush; 
the  distant  sound  of  voices  signalizes  the  prompt 
beginning  of  the  office.  A  long  line  of  choristers 
marches  in,  singing  Henry  Smart's  melody,  ever 
young,  set  to  the  wording  Angels  from  the 
realms  of  glory."  There  is  a  crucifer  at  the  head, 
a  youth  of  fixed  devotion,  who  is  habited  in  red 
cassock  and  white  cotta.  In  the  like  manner  are 
robed  the  men  singers  all.  Their  vestments  are 
in  harmony  with  the  red  cloaks  and  white  dresses 
of  the  girls.  An  onlooker  remarks  the  appearance 
of  these  many  maidens,  as  they  journey  on,  turning 
to  enter  the  chancel,  and  likens  them — in  after  writ- 
ing— to  a  joyful  singing  band  of  Little  Red  Riding 
Hoods  gathered  together  especially  for  Christmas 
eve.  At  the  end  of  the  great  line  walks  a  band  of 
clergy,  among  whom  two  personalities  had  been 
assigned  to  the  post  of  honor;  the  one  was  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  the  other — at  the  Bishop's 
side — "  a  man  of  fourscore  years  less  five,  whose 
name  will  be  remembered  and  whose  life-work  will 
be  honored  when  most  of  those  who  pray  and 
preach  today  have  been  forgotten." 

As  it  is  a  night  unforgettable,  it  will  be  well  to 
recall  the  names  of  some  of  the  eminences  appear- 
ing in  procession.  Here  were  the  Rev.  Doctors 
Enos,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's,  and  Maxcy  of  Christ 
Church;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  H.  W.  Freeman  of  St. 
John's,  James  Caird  of  the  Ascension,  G.  A.  Hol- 
brook  of  St.  Barnabas',  and  E.  De  G.  Tompkins, 
formerly  of  St.  John's;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Silliman,  Grace 
Church,  Albany,  and  Dr.  Nickerson  of  Lansing- 


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293 


burgh.  From  the  Cathedral  of  All  Saints'  at  Al- 
bany came  Dean  Robbins  and  Canon  Fulcher, 
while  the  Bishop  and  Rector — the  one  for  whom 
thanksgivings  were  to  be  offered — were  preceded 
by  Gen.  Selden  E.  Marvin,  chairman  of  the  General 
Committee. 

Doctor  Tucker  intoned  the  office.  Dean  Robbins 
read  the  lessons.  The  Magnificat  and  Nunc  Di- 
mittis  had  been  composed  especially  for  this  Jubi- 
lee by  Dr.  E.  J.  Hopkins  of  London. 

At  the  close  of  Evensong  the  choir  sang — 
in  worshipful  manner — an  Anthem,  including  the 
Recitative  "  Comfort  ye,"  also  the  chorus,  And 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,"  from  Handel's  "  Messiah." 
Then  followed  prayers  and  Mendelssohn's  set- 
ting of  the  Christmas  hymn,  "  Hark,  the  herald 
angels!  " 

During  the  Offertory  Dr.  Enos  presented  a  set 
of  resolutions  in  behalf  of  the  clergy.  In  obedi- 
ence to  an  order  given  by  the  Diocesan  Conven- 
tion, which  had  assembled  in  November,  he  read: 

Those  who  were  your  companions  in  the  old  Diocese 
of  New  York,  and  stood  with  you  when  the  Diocese  of 
Albany  was  born  and  cradled,  have  already  put  on  record 
their  appreciation  of  your  high  character  and  distin- 
guished services.  The  Bishop  in  his  annual  address,  and 
eminent  priests  and  laymen  in  congratulatory  resolu- 
tions on  the  floor  of  Convention,  have  eloquently  voiced 
what  I  am  charged  to  assure  you  is  the  universal  thought 
and  sentiment  of  the  Diocese,  viz.,  that  the  primacy  of 
honor  which  you  earned  and  enjoyed  so  long  ago  is  still 
yours  in  more  abundant  measure,  if  possible,  than  ever 
before. 


294 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


This  festival  to-night  in  the  crescent  glow  of  Christ's 
nativity,  is  a  triple  Jubilee.  It  marks,  first,  the  formal 
opening,  fifty  years  ago,  of  Holy  Cross  Church;  secondly, 
the  beginning  of  your  pastoral  relations  here,  and  in  this 
connection  your  mastership  in  the  Mary  Warren  Insti- 
tute; and,  thirdly,  the  introduction  into  this  country  of 
the  ancient  Choral  Service,  in  its  correct  form  and  as  a 
settled  parish  use.    .    .  . 

For  half  a  century,  by  the  simple  law  of  fitness,  you 
have  been  a  leading  figure  in  the  religious,  educational, 
musical  and  social  life  not  only  of  Troy  and  Albany,  but 
of  those  territorial  divisions  of  the  State  of  which  these 
cities  are  the  centre.  When  the  time  came,  you  assisted 
efficiently  in  the  erection  of  the  new  Diocese  of  Albany; 
you  were  a  member  of  its  primary  Convention;  and  have 
been  a  full  sharer  in  the  burdens  and  joys  of  its  eventful 
history. 

But  the  influence  of  a  life  like  yours  cannot  be  confined 
within  the  boundaries  of  a  single  city,  or  diocese;  it 
reaches  forth  and  stirs  the  world  outside.  Especially  in 
the  field  of  ecclesiastical  music,  the  whole  Church  is  your 
debtor.  Not  only  has  "  the  word  of  Christ  dwelt  in  you 
richly  in  all  wisdom,"  but  you  have  "  taught  and  admon- 
ished in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,"  until 
your  name  is  a  household  word  throughout  the  land. 

Testifying  to  the  graciousness  and  worth  of  your  per- 
sonal character,  fifty  changeful  years  agree.  They  tell 
of  your  modesty,  consideration  for  others,  unswerving 
loyalty,  high  sense  of  honor,  chivalric  courage. 

After  the  reading,  he  continued: 

With  these  greetings  I  present  to  you,  in  the  name  of 
the  Convention,  this  silver  testimonial,  a  gift  from  the 
Bishop  and  clergy  of  the  Diocese.  It  bears  an  inscrip- 
tion dictated  by  your  Bishop,  in  a  tongue  you  know  and 
love  so  well. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


29s 


"JOHANNI  IRELAND  TUCKER,  S.T.D. 

SACERDOTI  FIDELI.  PASTOR!  PRAECLARO, 
DOCTORI  DOCTISSIMO.  SACRAE  SYMPHO- 
NIAE  MAGISTRO.  VIRO  VERE  VENERATO. 
FRATRI  IN  CHRISTO  DILECTISSIMO.  IN 
GRATAM  MEMORIAM  CULTUS  DIUTURNI  AC 
DEDITI    PER   L.  ANNOS. 

D.  D.  D. 

EPISCOPUS  ET  FRATRES  SUI  IN  DIOCESI 
ALBANIENSI.  VIGILIA  NATIVITATIS  DOMI- 
NI JESU  GHRISTI. 

MDCCCXLIV.  MDCCCXCIV." 

I  also  hand  to  you  the  official  copy  of  the  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  in  the  matter  of  your  Jubilee. 

These  and  this  to  you,  dear  Dr.  Tucker,  with  the  Con- 
vention's affectionate  congratulations. 

The  Bishop  then  presented  to  the  admired  Doc- 
tor a  purse  of  gold,  offered  as  a  tribute  of  affection 
by  the  Woman's  Guild  of  the  Parish.  Afterward 
the  Diocesan  ascended  the  pulpit  and  delivered 
one  of  his  always  graceful  and  fitting  addresses. 
In  part,  the  speaker  said: 

The  mystery  of  the  manufacture  of  headlines  in  a  news- 
paper office  is  one  that  must  always  puzzle  the  brains  of 
a  layman,  not  admitted  into  the  secrets  of  that  most 
astonishing  profession.  But  sometimes  their  reason  is 
clear  and  good.  And  when  a  newspaper  writer  of  this 
city,  last  April,  described  this  Church,  in  which  we  are 
gathered  to-night,  as  "  a  Church  of  the  First  Things," 
I  am  inclined  to  think  he  builded  better  than  he  knew. 

Dr.  Tucker  said  to  me  just  after  the  last  Diocesan 
Convention,  "  Please  remember  that  Christmas  eve  is 
the  Jubilee  of  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross  and  not  of 


296 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  pastor,"  and  I  must  remember  it.  I  would  not  dare 
to  say,  in  his  presence,  what  I  feel  about  him  as  a  man, 
what  I  owe  to  him  as  my  brother  in  the  ministry,  what 
he  has  been  as  a  priest  in  this  Diocese  of  Albany,  or  what 
I  know  the  congregation,  the  city  and  the  Diocese  would 
have  said,  if  my  tongue  were  free.  His  presence,  his 
wish,  this  place,  and  the  proprieties  of  the  service  make 
it  impossible.  Only  this  much  is  true,  that  not  even  the 
holy  purpose  of  the  saintly  foundress  of  this  work,  not 
even  the  loving  service  of  her  life,  not  even  the  devo- 
tion of  her  children,  not  even  the  true  hearts  and  help- 
ing hands  of  other  helpers,  not  all  these  together  could 
have  accomplished  the  great  and  gracious  results  of 
these  fifty  years,  without  the  leader  whom  God  sent 
here;  fearless  and  faithful,  with  his  untiring  devotion, 
his  invincible  courage,  his  inexhaustible  patience,  his  un- 
usual gifts,  his  incomparable  character.  Let  us  note  with 
reverent  thankfulness,  in  the  glance  backward  which  we 
take  to-night,  how  this  is  "  a  Church  of  the  First  Things." 

It  has  been  always  a  Church,  whose  sittings  have  been 
free  to  all,  with  no  demand  of  money  equivalent,  for  the 
right  to,  or  the  choice  of,  seats.    .    ,  . 

Secondly,  the  Choral  Service  was  first  really  intro- 
duced in  America,  actually  reintroduced  into  this  century, 
in  this  House  of  God.    .    .  . 

I  believe  I  am  not  an  extremist  in  this  matter  either. 
I  recognize  the  intense  solemnity  of  the  simplest  and 
plainest  "  u-se  "  in  this  great  act  of  worship.  I  deny  that 
it  can  be  made  either  "  high  "  or  "  low,"  by  lights  or 
music  or  the  number  of  officiants.  I  deprecate  pro- 
foundly the  tuneless  and  discordant  distractions  of  at- 
tempts and  imitations,  when  the  music  is  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  choir.  I  greatly  dislike  the  twisting  and 
turning  of  English  words,  to  fit  Roman  Catholic  mass- 
music,  no  matter  how  beautifully  written  for  a  foreign 
tongue,  and  a  purpose  of  devotion  as  foreign  as  the  lan- 
guage. And  I  deplore  the  mutilation  of  the  Liturgy  by 
organ  interludes,  by  the  "  vain  repetition  "  of  words,  by 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


the  prolonged  elaborations  of  ornate  services.  But  I  be- 
lieve that  the  consecration  to  the  worship  of  Almighty 
God  of  the  art  of  music,  and  the  dignifying  of  our  great 
act  of  worship,  with  a  wealth  of  sacred  harmony,  is  an 
act  of  devotion  acceptable  to  God,  and  conducing  to  the 
adoration  of  man.  And  I  thank  God  for  its  cradling 
here,  under  the  guidance  of  this  true  Precentor,  whom 
we  have  well  called  to-day  "  magister  sacrae  sympho- 
niae,"  master  of  holy  harmony. 

More  even  than  this,  there  began  here  the  due  obser- 
vation of  the  Holy  Days  of  our  Lord  and  of  His  Saints, 
The  pastor  of  this  Church  was  one  of  the  leaders,  if  not 
the  leader,  in  this  State  at  least,  in  the  recognition  of  the 
Church's  purpose,  to  make  the  Celebration  of  the  Holy 
Communion  a  frequent,  and  not  an  unusual  act.  The 
observance,  with  a  Celebration,  of  Ascension  Day  is  now, 
thank  God,  so  practically  universal,  that  it  seems  dif- 
ficult to  believe  that  fifty  years  ago  it  was  almost  un- 
known in  America.  The  careful  and  niggardly  economy 
of  the  Holy  Communion,  which  omitted  the  Celebration 
on  the  first  Sunday  of  the  month  if  Easter  or  Whit- 
sunday came  just  before  or  after  it;  the  neglect  of  the 
plain  requirement  for  a  Celebration  whenever  a  Collect, 
Epistle  and  Gospel  were  provided,  have  passed  out  of  the 
memories  of  most  of  you,  and  were  never  known  to  our 
younger  clergy.  And  the  leaven  which  was  hid,  which 
has  wrought  out  the  blessed  change,  was  in  large  part 
first  used  here.  Through  what  suspicions,  criticisms,  dis- 
trusts, estrangements,  oppositions,  these  unusual,  because 
disused,  customs  of  Catholic  worship  were  introduced  and 
maintained  here — when  every  minor  act  of  ritual  that  ac- 
companied them,  like  preaching  in  the  surplice,  or  turn- 
ing to  the  east  in  the  Gloria,  was  popularly  considered 
popish — only  one  can  realize,  who  remembers,  as  I  do, 
the  attacks  and  the  assaults,  the  abuse  and  accusations 
heaped  upon  my  father,  who  was  doing  just  this  sort  of 
work  in  St.  Mary's  Church  in  Burlington,  half  a  century 
ago.    And  it  is  proof  enough,  that  these  were  only  the 


298 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


loyal  carrying  out  to  their  fulfilment  of  the  spirit  and 
the  letter  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  to  note,  that 
everywhere  now,  in  the  deepened  and  enlarged  life  of  the 
Church,  they  are  the  prevailing  custom  and  rule.  But  the 
first  promoters  of  it,  the  men  who  were  ahead  of  their 
time,  the  men  that  caught  and  comprehended  the  revival 
of  Catholic  truth  and  worship  before  their  fellows,  are  the 
men  to  be  held  in  honor  for  their  insight  and  their  far- 
sight, their  convictions  and  the  courage  in  which  they 
held  them. 

But  this  is  "  a  Church  of  First  Things  "  in  other  ways 
than  these.  This  Church  is  really  the  chapel  of  the  Mary 
Warren  Free  Institute.  There  is  intense  pathos  in  the 
story.    ,    .  . 

Behind  and  underneath  the  outward  and  visible  signs 
of  the  character  and  conduct  of  service,  lies  another  ele- 
ment, another  first  thing,"  the  holding  and  maintaining 
of  the  Catholic  faith.  Here  the  old  truths  and  doctrines, 
which  indifference  and  ignorance  had  overlaid,  whose  ut- 
terance was  well  nigh  drowned  in  the  babel  of  the  dis- 
cordant and  dissenting  voices  of  those  who  held  half 
truths,  and  in  distorted  proportion  to  each  other;  here, 
the  "  first  things  "  of  the  faith  were  proclaimed — when  to 
preach  them  was  counted  disloyalty  to  the  Reformation — 
the  mystery  of  the  Incarnation,  the  grace  of  Sacraments, 
the  visible  reality  of  the  Church,  the  Communion  of  the 
saints  on  earth  and  in  Paradise,  the  apostolic  authority 
and  the  apostolic  power  of  the  ministry;  "the  first  prin- 
ciples of  the  doctrine  of  Christ."  And  the  power  of  all 
that  has  been  wrought  out  here,  the  salt  that  saved  it, 
the  leaven  that  quickened  it,  the  light  that  made  it  in- 
comprehensible (unable  that  is  to  be  swallowed  up  by 
darkness),  was  in  the  fast  and  firm  holding,  the  clear  and 
constant  proclaiming,  of  the  Catholic  faith. 

There  are  some  '*  first  things "  that  come  home,  to 
me,  personally  here  to-night,  with  an  overwhelming 
flood  of  recollection:  associations  from  young  childhood 
with  jMount  Ida;  my  father's  warm  affection  and  admira- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


tion  for  dear  Mrs.  Warren;  his  sense  of  sorrow,  which 
spread  itself  through  our  home,  in  the  sharp  and  sudden 
passing  into  Paradise  of  the  only  daughter  of  this  house; 
his  EngHsh  visit,  made,  as  his  diary  reads,  "  With  N.  B. 
and  S.  E.  W.,  two  sons  of  my  dearest  friends";  the  Hfe- 
long  romance,  with  infinite  pathos  in  it  at  times,  through 
which  this  house  was  builded  as  it  was  begun;  faihng  eye 
sight,  lasting  just  long  enough  to  draw  the  plans  of  the 
Church,  at  whose  consecration  they  so  fitly  chose  and 
sung  for  the  anthem  that  true  Eucharistic  Introit,  "  O 
send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth  that  they  may  lead 
me  and  bring  me  unto  Thy  holy  hill  and  to  Thy  dwell- 
ing "  ;  an  Advent  Sunday  in  my  diaconate  and  very  early 
married  life,  when  I  preached  here;  and  then  an  interval 
of  fifteen  years,  when,  before  the  Northern  Convocation, 
I  preached  a  sermon  in  this  Church,  about  which  my 
brother  said  to  me,  "  That  ends  my  hope  of  your  elec- 
tion as  our  Bishop'*;  and  since  then  five  and  twenty 
years  of  close  companionship,  of  constant  sympathy  with 
my  plans  of  work,  of  generous  hospitality  and  helpful- 
ness; with  the  looking  forward  on  my  part  to  my  official 
or  casual  visits  to  this  Church,  as  a  chief  pleasure,  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  unique  beauty  of  the  service,  which  has 
come  to  have  the  same  finish  and  completeness  that  the 
English  gardener  described  in  his  grass  as  due  to  con- 
stant care  and  a  thousand  years. 

And  so  I  come,  not  Bishop  only,  but  loving  brother 
and  old  friend,  to  speak  to  you,  and  to  speak  for  you,  on 
this  festal  evening,  when  the  old  Glastonbury  legend  re- 
peats itself  in  spiritual  reality;  and  the  stafif,  that  was  set 
here  fifty  years  ago,  blooms  with  the  fresh  and  fragrant 
flowers  of  hope  and  happiness  on  this  Holy  Night. 

The  Jubilee  idea,  as  we  get  at  it  in  the  old  Hebrew 
customs  and  laws,  had  varied  meanings.  It  had  its  root 
in  the  old  purpose  of  God  to  make  a  social  system,  in 
which  inevitable  injustices  should  heal  themselves;  by  the 
equalizing  of  possessions  every  fifty  years;  by  the  oppor- 
tunity given  to  reclaim  whatever  had  been  lost  by  mis- 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


fortune,  and  to  redeem  what  had  been  mortgaged  in  an 
hour  of  trouble,  and  by  the  freeing  of  all  slaves  who 
asked  for  freedom.  These  were  its  chief  characteristics. 
But  you  began,  and  have  held  on  to  equal  rights  and 
privileges  in  this  House  of  God,  which  have  never  been 
lost.  There  has  been  never  any  servile  bondage  here, 
but  the  free  rendering  of  mutual  service,  from  which  no 
one  asks  relief.  And  inasmuch  as  the  old  Jubilee  law 
expressly  exempted,  from  the  duty  of  restoration  to  its 
original  owner,  land  that  lay  within  walled  towns,  this 
property  is  safe  from  any  danger  of  reversion  to  its 
gracious  givers.  What  is  there  left  to  us  then  of  the 
thought  and  spirit  of  the  Jubilee,  whose  wonderful  seven 
times  had  in  it  the  thought  of  completeness,  and  the 
essential  idea  of  rest,  crowning  the  Sabbatical  month 
and  the  Sabbatical  year?  Just  this:  Wherever  the  word 
comes  from  (and  that  is  not  clear)  it  has  sometimes,  as 
its  alternative  expression  in  the  Septuagint,  "  Voices  and 
trumpets."  And  the  trumpets  which  usher  in  our  Feast 
of  Restoration  and  Renewal  shall  set  their  silver  voices  to 
the  words  of  the  Psalm  for  the  sons  of  Korah,  singing  of 
this  House  of  God,  "  The  singers  also  and  trumpeters 
shall  He  rehearse:  All  my  fresh  springs  shall  be  in  thee." 
And  then  we  will  add  our  voices  to  the  trumpet  notes 
and  say  to  this  true  and  Holy  House,  "  Peace  be  within 
thy  walls,  and  plenteousness  within  thy  palaces";  and 
to  its  beloved  Priest,  for  all  who  are  gathered  here  to- 
night, in  person  or  in  heart,  I  say,  for  my  brethren  and 
companions'  sakes,  I  will  wish  thee  prosperity." 

After  the  Bishop's  address,  Dr.  Warren's  Festi- 
val Te  Detim  was  sung,  a  true  voicing  of  the 
feeling  of  each  thankful  heart. 

At  the  close  of  all,  the  procession  retraced  its 
steps,  singing  H.  W.  Parker's  lovely  carol,  "  All 
my  heart  this  night  rejoices." 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


That  was  the  way  the  people  felt,  all  of  them,  as 
they  retired  from  the  holy  place.  The  service  m 
which  they  had  been  absorbed  was  referred  to  by 
a  local  secular  paper  as  "  making  perhaps  the  most 
remarkable  epoch  in  the  Church  history  of  this 
city." 

Let  it  be  noted  that  up  to  the  time  of  service  the 
ground  had  been  green,  not  covered  by  snow;  but 
when  the  congregation  came  out  at  the  close  of  the 
first  Jubilee  office,  they  found  the  air  white  with 
falling  flakes;  and  so  the  Christmas  picture  had 
been  completed  while  they  worshipped. 

At  once  all  repaired,  through  the  snow,  to  the 
rooms  of  the  Young  Women's  Association,  where 
a  reception  was  tendered  to  Doctor  Tucker  by  Mrs. 
George  Henry  Warren.  Christians  of  many  di- 
verse titles  were  in  attendance,  pressing  forward 
to  shake  hands  with  the  one  remembered.  There 
was  an  abundance  of  flowers  and  music.  The 
Committee  of  St.  Stephen's  Guild  proved  them- 
selves competent  managers  of  a  social  function. 

Among  the  many  gifts  offered  to  the  Rector 
there  was  a  massive  gold  loving  cup  from  the  chil- 
dren of  the  late  George  Henry  Warren  and  a  sur- 
plice of  fine  linen  from  the  Mary  Warren  Guild. 
A  large  floral  offering  had  been  sent  to  the  Church, 
which  carried  the  inscription: 

Symbols,  dove  with  branch,  peace;  circle  of  white 
flowers,  purity;  "'44"  in  white  flowers,  youth;  "'94"  in 
yellow  flowers,  ripened  age;  "'50"  in  white  and  yellow 
flowers,  saintly  Hfe.  To  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Ireland  Tucker  from 
the  corporation  and  members  of  St.  Barnabas'  Church. 


302 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


On  the  Saturday  preceding  the  Jubilee  the  trus- 
tees of  the  Rensselaer  Polytechnic  Institute  had 
waited  upon  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker  and  presented  a 
handsome  engrossed  copy  of  congratulatory  reso- 
lutions adopted  by  that  body. 

On  Christmas  morning  the  splendid  exercises  of 
the  triple  Jubilee  were  resumed.  Bishop  Potter  of 
New  York  had  left  his  home,  travelling  through- 
out the  night,  that  he  might  be  present  and  preach 
at  this  especial  Celebration. 

After  the  office,  Doctor  Tucker  gave  a  luncheon 
to  the  Bishop,  to  Mrs.  George  Henry  Warren,  and 
a  few  invited  guests.  Among  the  gifts  late  in  arriv- 
ing was  a  silver  loving  cup  from  old  friends  in  St. 
John's  parish,  including  Bishop  Potter  and  others. 

The  Christmas  tree  festival,  given  by  Mrs. 
George  Henry  Warren  and  Dr.  Warren,  fell  in 
with  the  mood  of  the  time. 

Thursday  evening — in  accordance  with  his  cus- 
tom— the  Doctor  entertained  his  young  friends  at 
a  Christmas  feast  held  in  Harmony  Hall,  for  which 
cards  of  invitation  were  issued.  An  orchestra  was 
secured,  and  the  young  men  and  maidens  were 
partners  in  the  dance. 

In  connection  with  the  fiftieth  anniversary,  the 
vestry  of  St.  Paul's — mother  Church  of  the  entire 
region,  which  had  once  invited  Doctor  Tucker  to 
become  its  Rector — took  action,  paying  their  trib- 
ute to  the  priest — then  living  in  their  midst — re- 
vered both  in  his  own  city  and  throughout  the  land. 
There  was  always  a  singular  unanimity  in  the  exer- 
cise of  good  will,  having  reference  to  him.  St. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


303 


Paul's  vestry  passed  a  minute  which  included  the 
following : 

We  speak  only  simple  truth  when  we  designate  him  as 
the  brave,  courtly,  Christian  gentleman.  In  earlier  years 
he  brought  into  his  worship  what  must  then  have  seemed 
startling  innovations,  yet  steadily  retained  the  respect  of 
Churchmen,  even  though  they  followed  him  but  slowly. 
He  was  a  pioneer  in  the  restoration  of  forms  and  acces- 
sories of  worship  of  the  earlier  Church;  yet  none  less  than 
he  ever  sacrificed  the  substance  of  true  worship  to  the  mere 
form.  The  personification  of  priestly  dignity,  no  trace  of 
affectation  is  found  in  him.  In  social  position  the  peer 
of  the  highest,  the  humble  citizen  has  no  warmer  friend 
than  he.  And  this  is  by  no  means  confined  to  his  parish 
or  his  communion.  .  .  .  He  was  a  priest,  a  sage,  and 
a  man.  Through  his  good  deeds  and  gentle  manners, 
he  had  filled  the  town  with  a  sort  of  tender  and  filial 
veneration. 

On  the  Sunday  following  the  Jubilee  the  Rector 
himself  had  something  to  say.  Taking  for  his  topic 
the  song  of  the  Christmas  angels,  at  first  he  recited 
reasons  why  glory  should  be  given  to  God.  Then 
he  continued: 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest  that  He  put  it  into  the 
heart  of  that  saintly  woman,  Mary  Warren,  to  build  this 
house  of  prayer  for  poor  and  all  people;  and  glory  to 
God  in  the  highest  that  the  same  divine  impulse,  touch- 
ing filial  love  and  reverence,  inspired  the  hearts  of  her 
children  to  hallow  her  memory  and  their  own  affection 
by  enlarging  and  beautifying  the  Church  which  the 
mother  built,  and  maintaining  it  now  for  fifty  years  by 
their  devotion  and  munificence.  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest  that  those  children  had  the  means  and  the  willing- 
ness to  fulfil  a  mother's  wishes,  and  even  to  transcend  in 


304 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


their  affection  and  endeavors  that  good,  loving  and  wise 
mother's  most  ardent  wishes  and  fondest  anticipations. 

"  Peace  to  men  of  good  will."  I  have  read  and  heard 
with  mixed  feelings  of  pleasure  and  humility  the  en- 
comiums that  have  been  written,  printed  and  spoken 
about  the  clergyman  who  has  completed  the  fiftieth  year 
of  his  pastorate  in  this  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  With 
pleasurable  emotions  I  have  read  and  listened  to  the 
kindly  expressions  of  men  of  good  will,  men,  friends  and 
acquaintances,  prompted  by  a  generous  impulse  to  say, 
write  or  print  what  the  heart  felt  and  wished  publicly  to 
express  to  a  friend  upon  a  memorable  epoch  of  himself 
and  of  the  Church  in  which,  by  God's  providence,  he 
ministers.  It  would  be  churlish  to  reject  or  depreciate 
such  heart-offerings  of  love  and  respect.  My  own  heart 
most  keenly  sympathizes  with  tender  hearts  that  "  re- 
joice with  those  that  do  rejoice  and  weep  with  them  that 
weep."  I  warmly  and  thankfully  appreciate  all  the  kind 
words  of  commendation  and  respect  which  I  have  read 
or  heard.  I  cherish  with  pride  and  pleasure  the  eulogi- 
ums  of  my  reverend  father  in  God  the  Bishop  of  Albany, 
and  the  loving  tribute  of  affection  of  my  friend  the  Bishop 
of  New  York.  What  man  would  not  be  moved  by  such 
expressions  of  love  and  honor?  I  cherish  with  gratitude 
and  respect  the  proofs  of  confidence  and  regard  offered 
so  generously  by  my  brethren,  clerical  and  lay,  of  the 
Diocese  of  Albany.  I  cherish  most  heartily  with  the  sa- 
cred associations  of  this  Jubilee  the  friendly  and  cordial 
greetings  of  other  ministers  of  "  the  everlasting  Gospel," 
that  love  our  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity,  and  with  us  can 
rejoice  in  the  birth  of  "  a  Saviour  which  is  Christ  the 
Lord." 

I  cherish,  too,  with  proud  and  grateful  feelings  the 
congratulations  of  the  citizens  of  Troy,  irrespective  of 
religious  designations,  who  by  their  good  willingness  or 
good  pleasure  inspire  my  heart  with  fresh  energy,  zeal, 
love  and  courage,  and  I  take  the  utterance  of  their  good 
willingness  as  a  kind  of  "  God  speed." 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


305 


My  heart  responds,  like  the  strings  of  the  harp  to  the 
gentlest  touch  of  the  musician,  to  every  expression  or 
look  of  love  or  respect  awakened  by  this  strange  and 
happy  Jubilee.  But  I  must  confess  that  after  letting  my 
heart  beat  and  vibrate  with  every  word  and  look  of  good 
will,  while  thoroughly,  most  sincerely,  most  heartily  ap- 
preciating the  motives  or  the  feelings  that  prompted  kind 
words  and  the  gentle  and  generous  offices  of  love — when 
I  come,  as  it  were,  to  myself  and  look  sternly  at  facts,  I 
feel  as  if  the  picture  has  been,  to  say  the  least,  as  I  am 
prompted  now  to  say,  somewhat  too  highly  colored.  The 
artist  with  his  cultured  eye  and  cunning  hand  can  idealize 
nature,  so  that  while  every  feature  of  the  landscape  is 
traced  truthfully  upon  the  canvas,  yet  the  picture  merely 
shows  that  the  painter  chanced  or  chose  those  particular 
features.  Thus  it  happens  not  infrequently  that  the  pict- 
ure is  even  more  striking  and  beautiful  than  the  scene  or 
place  depicted.  This  seems  to  be  the  modern  style  of 
writing  history  and  biography. 

But  to  drop  imagery,  I  feel  as  if  my  good-willing 
friends,  the  men  of  pleasure,  have  unwittingly,  no  doubt, 
bestowed  more  praise  and  commendation  than  I  indeed 
deserve.  I  am  not  disposed  at  the  present  moment 
through  any  mock  or  false  delicacy  to  disclaim  any  fair 
share  of  praise  and  congratulations  which  I  feel  belongs 
to  me;  nor  am  I  tempted  by  the  occasion  to  grasp  at 
honors  which  I  know,  and  here  I  am  glad  to  confess, 
may  be  rightly  claimed  by  others.  This  let  me  frankly 
state:  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  inception  and  build- 
ing of  this  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross.  The  idea  origi- 
nated with  Mrs.  Mary  Warren.  This  Church,  which  we 
trace  back  to  its  origin,  the  heart,  or  the  faith,  the  charity 
and  devotion  of  a  loving  and  saintly  woman,  was  built 
by  that  good  and  charitable  woman.  It  was  afterward 
enlarged  and  embellished  by  her  children.  I  had  little 
\to  do  with  the  introduction  of  the  Choral  Service  in  this 
Church,  and  its  consequences  throughout  this  country  in 
connection  with  the  musical  and  ritualistic  proprieties  in 


20 


3o6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  order  of  the  divine  service  in  the  offices  of  pub- 
lic worship  throughout  the  whole  extent  of  the  spirit- 
ual domain  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
United  States.  The  credit  and  honor  of  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  Choral  Service  into  this  country  belong,  with- 
out dispute,  and  must  be  frankly  and  gratefully  conceded, 
to  my  much  revered  and  devoted  friend  and  parishioner, 
Dr.  Nathan  B.  Warren. 

I  have  had  the  opportunity,  offered  rarely  to  my  cleri- 
cal brethren,  of  conducting  a  service  conformable  to  my 
own  conviction,  the  usages  of  the  Holy  Catholic  Church 
and  the  Liturgy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  country,  I  accept,  then,  the  commendation  which  I 
have  received,  so  far  as  I  have  shown  the  desire  and  en- 
deavor to  use  th*^  opportunity  for  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  diffusion  of  peace  and  good  will  among  men.  I  have 
had  my  ideal,  and  I  now  find  out  by  the  experience  of 
fifty  years  how  imperfectly  I  have  tried  to  work  up  to 
that  ideal — like  the  artist  who,  when  he  is  putting  the 
last  touches  on  the  canvas,  with  feelings  of  disappoint- 
ment, with  sadness  and  regret,  feels  as  no  one  can  feel, 
how  poorly,  how  imperfectly  he  has  embodied  in  figure 
and  color  the  conception  of  his  genius,  his  great  thought, 
his  mighty  purpose. 

"  Peace  on  earth  to  men  of  good  will."  I  have  re- 
ceived congratulations  and  testimonials  of  respect  from 
the  Diocese  of  Albany,  from  the  Vestries  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Christ  Church  and  St.  Barnabas',  from  Bishop 
Potter  and  his  former  parishioners  of  St.  John's  parish  ac- 
companied with  a  beautiful  and  costly  piece  of  plate,  from 
the  President  and  trustees  of  the  Rensselaer  Polytechnic 
Institute  and  from  the  trustees  of  the  Church  Home. 

Extract  from  a  letter  addressed  to  me  by  Colonel  Le- 
Grand  B.  Cannon:  "Your  jubilee  reminds  me  of  the  or- 
igin and  early  days  of  your  parish  and  my  great-aunt's 
'  Saturday  Sewing-school '  for  the  children  of  the  poor 
— culminating  in  your  parish  with  its  parish  school  and 
thus  perfecting  a  great  mission  work,  which  through  its 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


307 


hundreds  of  educated  girls,  not  a  few  now  mothers  and 
grandmothers,  has  through  their  agency  influenced  in  no 
small  degree  the  growth  of  the  Church  throughout  the 
nation.  It  is  rarely  that  one  is  permitted  for  half  a  cen- 
tury to  continue  his  labors  in  one  locality  and  direction, 
and  I  beg  the  privilege  to  add  my  congratulations  and 
that  you  will  accept  the  chalice  and  paten  as  an  evidence 
of  my  great  personal  regard  for  your  admirable  life." 

Extracts  from  a  letter  of  Bishop  Knickerbacker  (who 
died  Monday,  December  31):  "Indianapolis,  Ind.,  Dec. 
21,  1894. — My  first  impressions  of  the  Church  as  a  boy  I 
received  in  the  beautiful  services  of  Holy  Cross.  I  re- 
joice that  you  have  been  spared  to  see  the  wonderful 
advance  in  the  Church's  growth  and  that  you  have  been 
permitted  to  see  great  results  from  your  own  faithful 
ministrations.  I  pray  that  you  may  be  spared  many  more 
3'ears  of  usefulness.  I  can  envy  your  blessed  Christmas, 
believing  that  you  are  remembered  in  more  households 
in  Troy  than  any  living  man;  that  you  have  the  good 
wishes  and  benedictions  of  many  Bishops  and  clergy  of 
the  Church.  May  God  bless  you  and  your  work  is  the 
prayer  of  your  old  friend,  D.  B.  Knickerbacker,  Bishop 
of  Indiana." 

I  have  received  letters  of  congratulation  from  former 
pupils  residing-  in  Michigan,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island, 
New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  ^Maryland  and  our  own  State, 
and  a  kind  letter  and  a  gift  from  the  husband  of  a  former 
Sunday-school  scholar  and  parishioner  of  many  years,  now 
residing  in  Colorado. 

Extract  from  a  letter  received  from  C.  Rowland  Mason, 
Baltimore:  "As  one  of  your  old  scholars,  who  nearly 
forty  years  ago  had  the  privilege  of  singing  in  the  Church 
at  Troy,  I  could  not  refrain  from  adding  my  word  of 
congratulation  and  good  wishes  on  this  anniversary.  In 
many  wanderings  in  the  past  forty  years  I  have  often 
looked  back  to  the  pleasant  days  spent  in  Troy,  and  have 
always  felt  the  benefit  which  I  derived  from  your  instruc- 
tion and  example." 


3o8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


It  seems  strange  to  me  that  in  the  many  notices  of  the 
Jubilee  of  the  Holy  Cross  and  the  fifty  years'  pastorate 
of  its  Rector  there  have  appeared  but  two  or  three  allu- 
sions to  the  time  and  labor  which  I  have  devoted  for 
nearly  forty  years  to  the  instruction  of  the  young.  As  I 
view  things,  looking  back  through  many  years  and  out 
toward  the  never  ending  future,  my  best  and  most  last- 
ing work  as  the  pastor  of  this  Church  was  done,  as  I 
believe,  in  the  Girls'  and  in  the  Boys'  School.  I  am 
now  weighing  things  by  their  results.  It  is  a  great  priv- 
ilege and  honor,  fraught  with  the  most  solemn  and 
anxious  responsibility,  as  I  feel,  to  mould  boys  into 
high-minded  and  generous-hearted  men  and  fashion 
girls  into  gentle,  companionable,  modest  and  Christian 
women.  To  train  and  teach  boys  and  girls  and  fit  them 
to  meet  life's  work,  temptations  and  trials  I  count  as 
higher  art  and  skill  than  to  sculpture  marble  with  the 
genius  and  the  deft  hand  of  a  Phidias  or  Praxiteles.  Be- 
sides, what  I  have  done  as  a  teacher,  burdensome  as  it 
might  seem,  has  been  lightened  by  the  impulse  of  love 
and  hallowed  by  the  restraints  and  incentives  of  duty.  I 
have  been  willing  now  for  many  years  to  take  as  my 
daily  motto  "  Feed  my  lambs."  My  reward  is  the  affec- 
tion of  my  pupils,  their  obedience  to  my  precepts,  their 
virtues  or  moral  conduct  in  the  world  and  their  hopes 
and  confidences  for  the  future,  as  "  members  of  Christ 
and  inheritors  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

Extract  from  a  letter  from  F.  E.  Hale,  M.D.,  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.  After  ofifering  congratulations  he  asks  for 
my  photograph  as  a  special  favor  which  he  would  cherish 
beyond  expression,  and  he  adds:  "  It  is  hardly  necessary 
to  have  the  picture  to  remember  the  face,  as  it  is  im- 
printed indelibly  upon  my  brain.  I  should  like  it  as  a 
memento,  to  make  me  a  better  man.  I  have  not  for- 
gotten you  and  the  interest  you  took  in  me  by  teaching 
me  to  write  between  your  knees.  May  God  keep  you 
for  many  years  to  come  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your 
former  pupil,  *  Neddie.'  " 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


309 


In  conclusion  I  wish  peace  on  earth  to  all  men,  but 
my  subject  and  the  text  prompt  me  to  salute  with  the 
benediction  of  Christian  peace  the  men  of  good  will. 

The  great  God  of  truth 

Fill  all  thine  hours  with  peace. 

Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace 
in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


XVIII 


A  GLANCE  BACKWARD 

The  celebration  of  a  fiftieth  anniversary  is  always 
suggestive  of  a  retrospect.  Naturally  one  looks 
back  and  recalls  separated  factors  which  help  to 
make  up  the  Hfe  in  its  entirety. 

Doctor  Tucker's  sphere  of  activity  went  out  be- 
yond parish  limits.  Forgetting  that  he  was  a  busy 
man,  occupied  week-days  and  Sundays  in  school 
and  Church,  he  started  a  mission  in  South  Troy, 
now  St.'  Luke's  Church.  In  those  days  there  were 
no  street  cars,  and  he  used  to  accomplish  the  long 
distance  on  foot,  going  every  Sunday  evening  after 
he  had  finished  his  services  at  the  Holy  Cross. 

In  the  Diocese  he  was  always  an  interested  and 
industrious  worker.  The  estimate  of  his  associates 
in  the  Standing  Committee  will  be  found  elsewhere. 

His  Bishop  once  made  the  remark,  Doctor 
Tucker  is  faithful  and  helpful  in  every  way."  In 
truth,  such  a  priest  is  a  fortunate  right  arm  for  his 
Diocesan.  From  the  beginning  of  the  Cathedral 
he  was  connected  with  its  General  Chapter,  an 
active  participant  in  all  that  pertained  to  its 
prosperity. 

His  relations  with  St.  Stephen's  College,  and  his 
personal  service,  will  not  be  forgotten.    About  this, 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


311 


Dr.  Fairbairn  writes :  "  He  was  one  of  the  original 
trustees  who  were  named  in  the  charter  which  the 
Legislature  granted  in  i860.  His  interest  in  the 
institution  never  flagged.  He  has  proved  it  by 
the  valuable  gift  which  he  has  made  to  the  College. 
The  second  item  of,  his  will  is  the  bequeathing  of 
his  valuable  library  to  the  institution.  It  was  not 
the  last  item,  as  if  now  he  was  at  a  loss  to  know 
what  to  do  with  his  books,  but  the  second  one,  as 
if  the  College  were  uppermost  in  his  mind." 

Time  and  again  he  was  elected  a  deputy  to  the 
General  Convention.  Of  the  Church  at  large  he 
was  a  servant  through  the  instrumentality  of  his 
hymnals;  so  he  was  kept  in  touch  with  the  wants 
of  a  continent. 

In  his  adopted  city  he  maintained  a  lively  in- 
terest in  public  matters.  Since  1869  he  had  been 
a  trustee  of  the  Rensselaer  Polytechnic  Institute. 
So  late  as  June,  1894,  he  preached  the  Bacca- 
laureate Sermon  to  the  Graduating  Class  of  that 
institution,  when,  speaking  to  scientists,  he  chose 
as  his  theme  "  The  Imperfection  of  Human  Knowl- 
edge." 

When  a  city  armory  was  erected  in  1884,  at  the 
laying  of  the  corner-stone  Doctor  Tucker  appeared 
upon  the  stage,  pronouncing  a  Benediction.  At 
the  "  Troy  Centennial,"  in  1889,  he  was  chosen  a 
member  of  the  committee  of  one  hundred  repre- 
sentative citizens  in  charge  of  affairs. 

He  was  a  philanthropist  in  private  as  well  as  pub- 
lic. His  acts  of  beneficence,  of  practical  assistance 
oflfered  to  those  in  need,  were  judicious  but  almost 


312 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


measureless — of  them  no.  one  knows  the  extent — 
and  the  sphere  of  their  appHcation  was  never  Hm- 
ited  by  creed.  In  the  Troy  Daily  Times^  issued 
on  the  day  of  his  death,  a  leading  editorial  gave 
utterance : 

Dr.  Tucker  was  a  man  of  boundless  charity  in  thought 
and  act.  No  one  ever  heard  him  speak  ill  of  others, 
though  he  may  have  had  his  differences  of  opinion,  as 
was  inevitable  with  his  strong  personality.  But  he  was 
tolerant,  patient,  forbearing.  Deeds  without  number  in- 
dicating his  generous,  unselfish  regard  for  his  fellow-men 
might  be  recounted  by  those  who  were  his  beneficiaries. 
They  were  never  revealed  through  his  telling  of  them. 
How  many  a  saddened  soul  has  been  ministered  to  by 
him,  what  gifts  most  helpful  and  timely  he  has  given, 
what  aid  to  the  young  and  struggling  he  has  extended, 
only  the  Keeper  of  all  secrets  knows.  Dr.  Tucker,  with 
his  modesty  and  quiet  bearing,  was  one  of  those  who 
"  do  good  by  stealth,  and  blush  to  find  it  fame." 

In  like  manner,  his  priestly  service  rendered 
to  the  sick  was  unrestricted.  A  physician,  who 
had  known  him  long,  testifies  as  follows: 

November  26,  1896. 
I  was  brought  in  contact  with  the  good  Rev.  Ireland 
Tucker  many  times  in  visits  to  the  sick,  and  admired  his 
tender  devotion  to  them,  notably  during  the  cholera  epi- 
demics of  the  '40s  &  '50s.  I  found  him  at  early  morning 
hours  and  at  midnight  giving  consolation  and  admin- 
istering the  Sacrament  to  the  dying,  whose  screams  and 
suffering  were  painful  to  witness;  and  this  he  did  in  a 
deliberate,  sympathetic  and  faithful  manner  that  betrayed 
no  fear  or  timidity.  At  his  Jubilee  50  years  later,  as  I 
was  with  the  multitude  congratulating  him.  he  detained 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN  313 

me,  holding  my  hand,  and  said:  "Do  you  remember 
those  cases  of  cholera  at  night  down  in  those  wretched 
tenements?"  "Yes,"  I  replied,  "and  you  were  brave!" 
"  Well,  Bontecou,"  he  said,  "  I  went  with  fear  and 
trembling,  for  I  had  a  mortal  dread  of  the  disease." 

[Signed] 
R.  B.  Bontecou. 

So  there  was  an  abundant  performance  of  pas- 
toral duty  having  no  connection  with  school  or 
Church,  especially  in  summer  time,  when  the  one 
parson  who  stayed  at  home  was  pastor  for  Chris- 
tians of  every  name. 

Indeed,  at  any  time  of  year  he  would  be  called 
upon.  In  his  early  ministry  he  happened  to  be 
summoned  to  bury  a  Roman  Catholic,  very  in- 
digent. When  he  entered  the  room  he  found  evi- 
dences of  the  wake  just  ended.  The  Rector  read 
the  service,  and  then  helped  the  undertaker  to  carry 
the  dead. 

One  New  Year's  day  he  was  interrupted  in  the 
midst  of  his  reception  and  asked  to  visit  a  man 
at  the  Pest-house,  then  filled  with  patients  suffer- 
ing from  black  small-pox.  He  hesitated  not,  and 
found  that  the  victim  was  one  who  had  been  a  boy 
in  his  own  Sunday-school. 

Soon  after  the  celebration  of  the  Jubilee  the 
Rector  said,  "  All  these  good  people  are  making 
a  mistake.  If  I  have  done  any  good  work  in  the 
world  it  has  been  as  a  teacher  of  the  young,  not 
as  a  Priest." 

He  had  a  real  passion  for  teaching;  otherwise  he 
never  would  have  kept  up  his  five  or  six  hours  a 


314 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


day  in  the  school  to  the  very  end.  Herein,  as  in 
other  matters,  he  showed  himself  the  successor  of 
Dr.  Muhlenberg.  Said  Bishop  Coxe,  in  his  printed 
tribute:  To  say  that  the  beloved  old  instructor  of 
his  school-days  left  a  deep  impression  on  his  mind 
and  his  life  is  not  the  whole  story:  to  him 
Dr.  Muhlenberg  seems  to  have  left  his  mantle. 
Dr.  Tucker  accepted  it  and  bound  it  about  his 
spirit,  and  so  continued  the  labors  of  that  saintly 
presbyter." 

It  was  his  pleasure  to  make  real  the  connection 
between  school  and  Church.  Pupils  of  the  Mary 
Warren  Institute  form  the  choir  of  the  Church  of 
the  Holy  Cross.  So  it  was  planned  from  the  be- 
ginning that  they  should  be  taught  in  religion  and 
in  music. 

In  the  early  days  the  department  of  music  was 
included  merely  as  a  part  of  the  general  scheme, 
which  came  under  the  supervision  of  the  directing 
head  and  active  principal.  Mr.  Hopkins,  when 
organist,  drilled  the  girls  only  in  the  music  which 
was  to  be  sung  on  Sundays;  in  his  time  there  were 
no  exercises  in  Solfege.  But  after  the  death  of  the 
first  organist,  Doctor  Tucker  took  upon  himself 
the  entire  duty  of  instruction  in  the  department, 
enlarging  its  scope  and  sphere.  Here  he  found 
use  for  the  technical  training  which  he  had  received 
from  Italian  and  French  masters.  We  are  not  sur- 
prised to  find  that  he  introduces  the  Exercises  by 
Concone." 

Wednesday  afternoon  was  the  Doctor's  especial 
period  devoted  to  the  training  of  his  pet  music 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


class.  On  other  days  he  would  interest  the  less 
advanced  children  in  singing,  principally  by  the 
practice  of  hymn-tunes. 

There  lies  before  me  a  series  of  books  once 
blank,  now  containing  manuscript  closely  written, 
the  pages  of  which  display  an  assortment  of  differ- 
ent chirographics.  The  little  volumes  are  of  espe- 
cial interest  because  they  contain  a  story  original 
with  Doctor  Tucker. 

The  Rector  was  accustomed,  in  the  performance 
of  his  school  duties,  to  devote  an  hour  nowand  then 
to  "  dictation."  Somewhere  about  the  year  1869 
he  varied  his  programme,  as  he  gave  a  "  story  "  to 
be  written  down  by  the  pupils.  It  seems  likely 
that  the  narrative  was  improvised  at  the  time;  for 
the  copy  here  preserved  is  in  the  varied  and  pen- 
cilled handwriting  of  different  scholars. 

Surely  it  will  be  worth  our  while  to  examine  the 
only  story  from  the  hand  of  the  priest-musician. 
We  are  not  surprised  to  find  it  simple  and  child- 
like. It  contains  many  touches  characteristic  of 
the  author.  One  of  these  is  a  quality  of  happy 
playfulness,  very  familiar  to  those  who  knew  him 
well.  A  niece  of  his  once  made  remark:  "He 
was  full  of  life,  full  of  fun.  We  children  were  in 
great  glee  whenever  we  heard  that  Uncle  John 
was  coming." 

The  same  characteristic  of  gentle  sportiveness, 
of  the  sort  of  merriment  that  gives  pleasure,  wells 
up  and  overflows  in  certain  sections  of  the  story. 

It  is  a  tale  about  "  the  day  and  not  the  night 
before  Christmas."     At  breakfast  Mrs.  Cobham 


3i6 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


tells  her  daughter  Bessie  that  the  sleigh  will  be  at 
the  door  soon  after  luncheon,  when  they  will  go 
out  with  their  Christmas  baskets.  They  make  a 
tour,  in  which  the  Lady  Bountiful  distributes  bene- 
factions in  the  pleasant  guise  of  holiday  remem- 
brances. One  of  the  places  of  stopping  was  "  The 
Snells." 

Mr.  Snell,  a  tall  reverend-looking  man  with  his  white 
cravat  and  long  black  coat,  was  seated  by  the  stove,  ap- 
parently much  interested  in  looking  over  the  pages  of  the 
Church  Almanac,  As  he  afterwards  informed  Mrs.  Cob- 
ham,  it  seems  that  he  could  not  leave  off  his  old  profes- 
sional habits,  and  was  looking  out  the  "  lessons  "  for  the 
Nativity. 

For  many  years  he  had  fulfilled  the  duties  of  sexton,  in 
the  Church  which  Mrs.  Cobham  had  attended  as  a  child. 
That  was  in  the  days  of  big  square  pews,  high  "  reading- 
desks  "  and  higher  pulpits.  Mrs.  C.  well  remembers  the  care 
with  which  the  sexton,  "  Poppy  Snell  "  as  the  boys  some- 
what irreverently  called  him,  provided  during  the  cold, 
wintry  weather,  the  warm  coals  for  her  mother's  Dutch 
foot-stove.  And  this  perhaps  may  be  one  reason  why 
her  heart  now  warms  up  to  the  strange  and  rather  crabbed 
old  man.  I  am  not  at  all  sure  in  my  own  mind  that  the 
duties  of  the  sexton's  vocation  in  any  remarkable  way 
conduce  to  sweetness  of  disposition  and  gentleness  of 
manners.    .    .  . 

He  was  not  partial  to  Deacons  or  Assistant  Ministers, 
and  once  was  heard  to  say  that  "  one  parson  could  give 
enough  trouble,  and  two  were  much  more  than  any  or- 
dinary sexton  could  comfortably  get  along  with."  As  he 
saw  himself  getting  crowded  by  the  special  observance 
of  Saints'  Days  and  the  introduction  of  the  Daily  Ser- 
vice, he  became  more  and  more  conscious  of  his  need 
of  additional  help,  and  accordingly  sent  the  following 
petition  to  the  Rector  and  Vestry: 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


317 


Saint  Philip  and  St.  James's  Day. 
To  the  Very  Reverend  the  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
the  much  respected  Wardens  and  the  worthy  gentle- 
men of  the  Vestry. 
Although  "  I  would  rather  be  a  doorkeeper  in  the 
house  of  my  God,  than  dwell  in  the  tents  of  ungodliness," 
and  although  I  devoutly  trust  that  my  heart  may  never 
fail  to  respond  to  the  sentiment  of  the  Royal  Psalmist 
*'  I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,"  yet  notwithstanding  what  the  wise 
man  declares  and  therefore  must  be  true,  that  "  there  is 
a  time  for  all  things,"  I  must  own  that  /  can  neither  find 
time  nor  strength  to  get  the  Church  ready  for  Daily  Ser- 
vice, for  early  Celebrations,  look  after  the  gas  and  fur- 
naces, to  seat  strangers,  and  discharge  with  apostolic 
order  and  decency  my  chancel  functions  on  the  Holy 
Day.  I  therefore  respectfully,  and  with  due  regard  to 
those  in  authority  over  me,  as  the  inspired  Paul  enjoins 
in  his  Epistle,  ask  the  favor  of  your  considering  whether 
among  the  things  that  are  not  only  "  lawful  "  but  also 
"expedient"  may  be  reckoned  the  furnishing  your  humble 
servant  with  a  coworker,  assistant  or  "  helpmeet,"  if  I 
may  be  allowed  to  use  a  word  familiar  to  all  readers  of 
Sacred  Writ. 

Wishing  you  much  of  the  grace  you  need,  and  many 
of  the  virtues  which  belong  to  the  names  of  the  chosen 
saints  which  our  holy  mother  the  Church  "  throughout 
all  the  world  "  this  day  commemorates  in  her  Table  of 
Lessons  for  Holy  Days, 

Your  much  favored  and  obligated 
Servant  of  the  Sanctuary 

Abraham  Snell. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  that  the  petition  was 
granted.  Under  the  new  arrangement,  things  worked 
pleasantly  enough  for  years,  until  Mr.  Snell,  like  many 
other  persons  at  least  as  knowing  and  intelligent  as  him- 
self, got  obfuscated  in  the  mysteries  of  Ritualism.  He 


3i8 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


could  not  for  the  life  of  him  keep  clearly  in  his  mind 
the  distinction  of  colors — ecclesiastically  speaking  he  was 
color  iblind — and  as  if  he  was  uncertain  which  rule  to 
follow,  that  of  Sarum  or  of  Rome,  he  would  sometimes 
put  on  the  wrong  altar  cloth,  the  purple  frontal  or  super- 
frontal  when  green  or  red  would  be  more  fitting  to  the 
season,  and  would  offer  the  Rector  and  the  Curate  a 
plain  black  when  they  expected  a  white  and  embroidered 
stole.  He  could  not  tell  an  alb  from  a  chasuble,  nor  a 
chasuble  from  a  vestibule,  and  never  had  been  taught 
the  difference  between  "  ablutions "  and  "  absolutions," 
*'  confessionals  "  and  "  processionals." 

From  sheer  mortification,  as  I  believe,  he  resigned  his 
situation  as  sexton  of  St.  Stephen's,  another  unfortunate 
victim  of  Ritualism,  and  as  a  "  retired  officer,"  was  living 
at  the  time  of  our  story  a  pensioner  of  the  parish. 

When  the  manuscript  volumes  containing  the 
story  were  forwarded,  there  came  with  them  an 
explanatory  letter  as  follows: 

All  through  the  storj'-  the  Doctor  seems  to  have  woven 
his  own  character,  full  of  love  and  charity  and  joyfulness. 
His  picture  of  the  old-time  sexton  is  so  good,  and  the 
description  of  the  family,  joining  on  Christmas  eve  in 
the  hymn  "  While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by 
night  "  sung  to  old  "  Antioch,"  in  which  the  voices  take 
up  the  last  line  "  And  glory  shone  around,  round,  round  " 
is  excellent.  My  wife  and  I  can  never  forget  his  reading 
it  to  us — this  part  especially — and  as  he  repeated  "  And 
glory  shone  around,  round,  round,"  he  would  burst  out 
with  the  merriest  Christmas  laugh,  his  very  face  illumined 
with  that  glory  which  he  now  shares. 

Again  to  the  story-book.  Later,  on  Christmas 
eve,  there  was  a  household  assemblage  in  front  of 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


3»9 


a  cavern  carved  in  wood;  at  the  back  of  the  cavern 
appeared  a  stable,  and  in  front  a  Cradle  and  the 
Holy  Family.  It  was  a  piece  of  Swiss  mechanism, 
and  the  figures  acted  their  part.  The  ^lagi  knelt, 
then  camels  and  asses,  then  the  shepherds  and  the 
sheep.  While  the  action  was  in  progress  distant 
music  was  heard — Adeste  Fideles,  a  chime  as  from 
fairy  bells,  then  John  Henry  Hopkins'  Carol. 

"  Bethlehem  does  not  now  seem  so  far  away  as  it  used 
to,"  -aid  ^liss  Bessie. 

"  Come,  Mrs.  Aj^scough,  what  do  you  say  for  '  While 
shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by  night '  to  the  old  tune 
'  Antioch  '?  " 

"Who  can  pitch  it?"  asked,  in  a  loud  and  animated 
voice,  Mr.  Cobham.  "  Why  I,  to  be  sure,"  replied  Uncle 
John.  "  Didn't  I  go  to  singing  school  in  my  younger 
days  along  with  Sail}'  Dorson,  and  sing  out  of  the  same 
Psalm-book?  What  is  the  use  of  learning  without  also 
'practising  as  they  know,'  as  Tate  and  Brady  have  it: 

'Who  know  what's  right;  nor  only  so, 
But  always  practise  v/hat  they  know'? 

Now  mind,  Bessie,  you  and  Carrie  and  grandma  must 
pitch  in  with  me  on  the  air;  your  father  of  course  will 
take  care  of  the  Bass;  your  mother  may  choose  between 
Tenor  and  Alto — one  part  is  about  as  easy  to  her  as 
another;  our  friend  Thomas,  the  butler,  may  double  on 
the  Bass.  And  no  '  shining,'  sir.  It  is  s-h-o-n-e — not 
*  shyned  '  around." 

By  the  time  they  reached  the  fourth  line,  "  And  glory 
shone  around,"  the  choristers  were  in  full  swing.  The 
Bass  were  tremendous  on  the  "  round,  round,  round, 
round,  round "  in  the  repeat.  When  Thomas  got  the 
hang  of  the  tune,  he  kept  shouting  "  round,  round, 
round,  round  "  until  he  almost  got  dizzy. 


320 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


*'  Once  more  the  same  verse,"  shouted  Mr.  Cobham, 
who  had  not  much  faith  in  his  own  memory.  "  And  you, 
Mr.  Thomas  Plumer,  please  to  keep  a  little  closer  to  the 
tune  in  the  last  line,  where  it  repeats;  and  observe  the 
'  crescendo/  all  of  you." 

With  fresh  courage  and  renewed  zeal,  they  all — grandma 
just  like  the  little  girls — sprang  at  the  hymn,  increasing 
the  speed  at  the  first  word  of  every  line,  like  a  stone 
going  down  hill. 

The  repeat  was  redoubled  ad  libitum,  and  with  m- 
creased  rate  and  energy. 

They  may  say  what  they  may,  Mrs.  Ayscough,  about 
Mendelssohn  and  Rossini,"  quoth  Mr,  Cobham,  "  and 
brag  of  their  new-fangled  Hymnals  with  their  stiff  white 
notes  like  a  row  of  parsons  in  their  surplices,  and  tunes 
with  unpronounceable  names  of  very  orthodox  saints — 
no  doubt! — as  if  we  hadn't  now  more  saints  of  our  own 
in  the  Calendar  than  we  exactly  know  what  to  do  with; 
but  give  me  good,  old,  solid  Psalmody  which  you  can 
tackle  at  with  all  your  might  and  make  a  merry  noise. 
When  I  sing  I  like  to  pull  out  all  my  stops,  and  put 
both  feet  on  the  pedals.  None  of  your  wishy-washy 
lullaby  ditties  for  me,  when  I  rise  to  praise  my  God!  I 
would  sweep  them  all  away  like  chaff  before  the  wind." 

And  there  he  stood  like  a  war-horse  that  "  paweth  in 
the  valley  and  rejoiceth  in  his  strength,"  and  "  smelleth 
the  battle  afar  off." 

School,  choir,  and  Church  were  all  different 
manifestations  of  the  same  one  fact.  The  way  it 
worked  is  illustrated  in  the  devotedness  of  Mrs.  Pol- 
lock, for  many  years  the  leading  contralto.  She 
/  was  one  o-f  the  little  girls  gathered  and  taught  by 
Mrs.  Mary  Warren  at  old  St.  Paul's,  and  had  been 
brought  to  the  Holy  Cross  when  ten  years  of  age. 
She  became  a  pupil  of  the  Mary  Warren  Institute, 


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and  was  brought  up  under  the  care  and  supervision 
of  the  saintly  Rector.  She  had  a  beautiful  voice, 
much  admired  by  Prof.  Hopkins  and  by  all. 

A  self-sacrificing  chorister,  she  fulfilled  her  duties 
twice  on  a  very  stormy  Sunday.  Thereafter  she 
took  sick.  Concerning  the  time,  one  writes:  "  Our 
dear  Dr.  Tucker  came  every  morning  before  school 
and  towards  evening.  He  made  every  suggestion 
and  provided  everything  he  could  think  of.  In 
two  weeks  she  left  us,  just  as  the  chimes  were  ring- 
ing for  ten  o'clock.  She  had  asked  the  Sunday  be- 
fore to  have  the  window  raised,  that  she  might  hear 
the  bells.  I  opened  it  again.  Dr.  Tucker  thought, 
and  we  all  thought,  that  she  heard.  She  would 
always  recognize  him  when  he  first  came  in.  That 
morning  she  looked  so  happy  and  said,  *  I  will  sing 

Rock  of  Ages.'"  He  helped  her,  but  had  to  finish 
it  alone."  She  was  only  thirty-one  years  of  age 
when  called  away,  leaving  a  sorrowing  community 
at  the  Holy  Cross. 

The  Rector  made  all  preparations,  providing 
things  needful  for  the  burial.  He  placed  the  body 
in  the  ante-chapel,  to  remain  there  all  night  be- 
fore the  funeral.  Again  the  letter:  "  I  went  over 
Tuesday  morning.  People  were  going  in  and  out. 
Mr.  S.  stood  at  the  head  of  the  casket.  I  heard 
people  remarking,  '  It  is  a  Church  rite;  he  is  chief 
mourner.'  I  remember  hearing  that  he  stood  there 
all  through  the  service." 

The  gifted  contralto  was  at  the  same  time  a  faith- 
ful Christian,  type  of  the  sort  of  culture  resulting 
from  the  labors  of  Doctor  Tucker  in  his  school. 
21 


322 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


So  it  happened  time  and  again.  Acts  of  direct 
benevolence  were  associated  with  the  administra- 
tion of  school  affairs.  Another  instance  may  be 
adduced. 

During  a  considerable  length  of  time  the  Rector 
had  been  visiting  a  sick  parishioner.  He  called 
regularly  once  each  day.  He  would  drop  in  at  the 
noon  hour,  and  then  hurry  back  to  his  school.  In 
the  last  period  of  the  sickness  the  pastor  called 
twice  in  each  twenty-four  hours. 

Just  when  the  patient  had  been  given  up  by  the 
physicians  his  wife  became  dangerously  ill.  A 
lawyer  was  sent  for.  Doctor  Tucker  was  present; 
there  was  likewise  in  attendance  a  little  daughter  of 
the  house.  After  the  will  had  been  executed,  the 
father  turned  to  Doctor  Tucker,  asking  him  in  case 
the  wife  should  not  recover  whether  he  would  see 
that  arrangements  were  made  for  their  child  to  go 
to  boarding-school;  there  had  been  talk  between 
the  parents  of  a  project  to  send  the  daughter,  when 
she  should  have  grown  old  enough,  to  St.  Agnes' 
School  at  Albany.  The  father  stated  that  there 
would  be  money  enough  to  give  his  child  a  good 
education,  and  that  after  such  a  course  she  would 
be  able  to  look  out  for  herself.  The  Doctor  put  his 
arms  around  the  little  one,  at  once  promising  that 
the  request  should  be  remembered,  and  making 
himself  responsible  for  her  education. 

The  little  one,  now  grown  to  womanhood^  tells 
me:  "My  father  died  and  my  mother  recovered; 
but,  nevertheless,  he  (Dr.  Tucker)  watched  over 
me  with  a  father's  care  until  death  claimed  him. 


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As  he  himself  expressed  it,  the  parsonage  was  ever 
to  me  a  second  home." 

The  child  was  placed  in  the  Mary  Warren  Insti- 
tute, where  she  developed  such  capabilities  for 
music  that  she  was  given  opportunities  for  ad- 
vanced study.  In  truth  the  parsonage  was  made 
a  second  home  for  her;  there  she  was  accustomed 
to  play  upon  the  piano  on  certain  afternoons  of 
each  week.  /Vfter  a  while  a  new  grand  piano 
made  its  appearance  at  the  Rectory,  which  was 
serviceable  for  these  musical  days.  When  the 
ward  was  married  the  Doctor  gave  her  away,  acting 
in  loco  parentis.  So  the  pastor's  vow  was  fulfilled. 
After  his  death  it  was  found  that  the  grand  piano 
was  bequeathed  to  the  ward  whose  education  he 
had  promised  to  supervise. 

Was  there  ever  such  a  principal  who  had  the 
ability  and  the  will  to  make  his  pupils  happy  to 
such  a  degree  as  this?  Doctor  Tucker  used  to 
retain  for  the  season  a  box  at  Music  Hall,  as  well 
as  seats  in  the  balcony.  Here  he  would  take  a 
considerable  number  of  girls  to  attend  upon  public 
performances.  Often  he  would  send  away — at  his 
expense — one  or  more  of  his  pupils  to  enjoy  a  vaca- 
tion. He  would  frequently  provide  private  lessons 
upon  the  piano. 

For  a  time,  each  summer  he  gave  a  picnic  for  all, 
but  as  the  weather  was  uncertain  he  changed  that 
to  an  evening  dance  at  the  school-room,  for  which 
cards  of  invitation  were  distributed  to  pupils,  to 
be  issued  by  them.  Doctor  Tucker,  himself  was 
present.    Moreover,  the  supper  was  of  the  very 


324 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


best.  Near  the  close  of  his  career  he  started  a 
string  quartet  among  pupils,  furnishing  instruments 
where  needed. 

At  Christmas  the  gifts  from  the  head  of  the 
school  to  the  individual  members  were  such  as 
friend  would  give  to  friend.  Indeed,  his  holiday 
greetings  in  concrete  form  extended  to  a  wide 
circle,  including  young  and  old;  just  before  the 
festive  season  his  study  would  be  changed  into  a 
storehouse  of  packages  of  all  sorts  and  sizes. 

In  the  history  of  the  school  St.  John's  Day  has 
always  been  a  feast  of  high  esteem.  Long  ago 
patron  and  Rector  invented  a  plan  which  should 
afford  an  outing  to  the  scholars  under  circum- 
stances which  would  make  the  occasion  a  thing  of 
itself.  Summer  having  arrived,  on  the  day  of  the 
Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist  there  were  two  morn- 
ing services  at  the  Church.  In  the  afternoon 
teachers  and  pupils  would  march  in  procession,  one 
carrying  the  school  banner.  I  have  heard  it  said 
that  formerly  there  used  to  be  a  band  of  music. 
Until  within  the  last  four  or  five  years  Doctor 
Tucker  was  accustomed  to  march  at  the  head  of 
the  line.  When  all  had  arrived  at  Mount  Ida,  the 
day  was  passed  en  fete  about  the  cottage.  Here 
many  such  festival  occasions  have  been  made 
memorable  by  dramatic  or  musical  performances. 

Dr.  Warren  writes  concerning  the  permanent 
connection  between  the  Holy  Cross  and  the 
grounds  or  park  about  his  home:  ''The  Church 
and  this  place  seem  to  be  twin  institutions.  I 
broke  ground  here  in  1839  by  planting  a  cabbage 


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325 


garden,  the  same  year  that  the  day  school  origi- 
nated at  St.  Paul's.  The  two  institutions  advanced 
side  by  side,  even  as  the  cabbage  plant  which  has 
progressed  into  a  cauliflower." 

The  unfailing  interest  of  the  principal  is  further 
witnessed  by  his  voluntary  expenditure  in  behalf 
of  school  and  choir.  He  furnished  all  the  music 
for  the  school.  Similarly,  he  paid  a  large  propor- 
tion of  the  expenses  pertaining  to  the  musical  de- 
partment of  service.  The  considerable  proceeds 
derived  from  the  sale  of  his  first  Church  Hymnal 
were  devoted  to  the  needs  of  the  choir. 

Take  it  altogether,  is  there  aught  of  marvel  in 
the  fact  that  when  one  meets  anywhere  a  former 
pupil  of  the  Warren  Free  Institute  he  finds  a 
woman  who  is  enthusiastic  in  her  praises  of  its 
ecclesiastical  head? 

And  yet  with  most  people  the  position  would 
have  been  counted  of  small  moment,  possessing 
only  a  temporary  influence.  At  the  beginning  the 
new  pastor  was  elected  only  for  one  year.  There- 
after nobody  thought  of  the  formality  of  a  renewal, 
and  the  appointment  simply  held  over.  But  think 
what  he  made  of  the  place!  Think  what  a  roll- 
ing stream  of  undying  influence  went  out  from 
this  post,  of  what  men  would  consider  an  uncer- 
tain tenure!  One  reason  for  this,  no  doubt,  is  to 
be  found  in  the  simple-mindedness  and  straight- 
forwardness of  his  aim.  He  never  changed;  he 
never  lost  the  spirituality  of  his  beginning.  Many 
young  men  who  enter  the  ministry  start  out  with 
motives  as  religious  as  those  cherished  by  the 


326 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


youthful  Tucker;  but  after  a  while  they  find  that 
the  practice  varies  from  the  theory,  that  to  serve 
God  through  wardens  and  vestries  is  a  very  dif- 
ferent thing,  more  secular,  more  political,  and  time- 
serving than  the  simple  self-consecration,  the  devo- 
tion of  soul  and  body  to  the  direct  service  of  the 
Lord  with  which  they  commence. 

Doctor  Tucker  had  neither  warden  nor  vestry, 
but  he  knew  troubles  not  few  nor  feigned.  Never- 
theless he  kept  up  his  purity  and  sincerity  of  inten- 
tion all  through.  His  motives  were  fair  and  clear 
at  the  end  as  at  the  beginning. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  a  New  Year's  recep- 
tion at  the  parsonage.  On  this  one  day  the  Rector 
recalled  the  customs  of  his  youth;  in  so  far  did  he 
perpetuate  the  fashion  of  his  New  York  circle. 
Then  he  received;  he  kept  open  house  for  all. 
Friends  came  from  far,  and  not  merely  parishion- 
ers of  the  Holy  Cross.  There  was  an  ample  and 
substantial  spread,  and  there  was  an  unfailing  hos- 
pitality manifested  at  all  times  in  private,  but  on 
New  Year's  day  in  a  brilliant  and  more  public 
assembling.  The  celibate  showed  that  he  had  a 
home  and  that  he  knew  how  to  entertain. 

As  to  the  question  of  celibacy  in  connection  with 
the  Rector,  Dr.  Warren  writes  again:  "  I  think  that 
our  Missionary  enterprise  of  the  Holy  Cross  de- 
pended much  on  the  fact  of  there  being  three  old 
bachelors  concerned  in  it;  for  I  am  sure  that  if  any 
one  of  them  had  ever  married,  it  would  have  been 
disastrous  to  the  others  and  to  the  enterprise." 


XIX 


THE  END  WHICH  IS  THE  BEGINNING 

The  earthly  end  was  drawing  nigh,  although  the 
ones  nearest  to  the  central  personality  knew  it  not; 
they  had  no  premonition. 

The  Jubilee  had  been  celebrated,  and  all  had 
settled  down  to  the  routine  of  Church  and  school 
life,  looking  forward  to  a  sequence  of  happy  years. 
There  was  one  severe  attack  of  illness,  but  the 
sufferer  rallied  well  and  soon  dismissed  the  thought 
of  it  from  his  mind.. 

When  the  heavy  blow  had  fallen,  after  the  first 
shock  was  over,  people  began  to  recall  the  last 
things  precedent  to  that  sad  event.  Upon  the 
streets  of  Troy  it  was  not  unusual  to  see  the  erect 
figure  of  the  Rector  in  a  barouche  or  carriage,  but 
his  final  appearance  is  now  spoken  of  as  charac- 
teristic. 

There  was  in  his  parish  a  woman,  not  counted 
among  the  rich,  unable  to  get  about  with  con- 
venience to  herself,  who  had  often  expressed  a 
desire  to  visit  Oakland,  a  picturesque  bit  of  land- 
scape to  which  good  Trojans  are  carried  after  they 

depart  this  life.    Doctor  Tucker  asked  Mrs.  to 

be  ready  on  a  certain  day.    The  barouche  came; 


328 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


he  handed  her  in  and  took  his  seat  alongside;  had 
she  been  a  queen  he  could  not  have  treated  her 
with  greater  consideration  or  more  unfeigned  polite- 
ness. The  Rector's  last  ride  constituted  a  scene  yet 
recalled  in  vivid  remembrance. 

During  Lent,  on  a  v^eek-day  evening,  it  had 
been  the  custom  of  the  Pastor  to  deliver  a  course 
of  lectures  upon  a  special  subject.  In  the  spring 
of  1895,  at  the  beginning  of  the  fast.  Doctor  Tucker 
asked  the  larger  girls  about  the  choice  of  a  topic. 
He  desired  their  preference — whether  he  should 
give  his  own  reminiscences,  including  the  telling 
of  many  things  known  to  himself  alone,  or  deliver 
a  course  of  instruction  in  some  department  of  doc- 
trine. Strange  to  say,  they  chose  the  latter.  The 
cause  seemed  to  be  that  they  would  tolerate  no 
thought  which  involved  the  idea  of  his  departure. 
They  could  not  bear  even  the  suggestion. 

So,  at  a  rehearsal,  when  the  conductor  made  the 
remark  that  they  must  learn  self-dependence,  for 
that  the  day  was  coming  when  they  must  go  on 
without  him,  tears  were  the  speedy  response. 

On  another  practice  night,  occurring  about  the 
middle  of  August,  Culley's  Anthem,  "  I  will  wash 
my  hands  in  innocency,"  was  in  course  of  study. 
As  it  was  midsummer,  men-singers  were  few.  The 
organist  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  water.  Doubt 
was  expressed  whether  the  anthem  would  go 
well "  in  service.  Doctor  Tucker  turned  to  the 
temporary  organist,  saying:  "  I  think  we  shall  be 
able  to  get  through  all  right."  At  one  point  in 
the  anthem  the  basses  made  the  attack,  starting 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


329 


alone.  Just  here  the  Rector's  voice  was  particu- 
larly helpful. 

The  Sunday  following,  at  Morning  Prayer — the 
very  last  of  his  life — when  the  anthem  was  sung 
all  went  well.  That  evening,  at  the  residence  of 
a  parishioner,  some  one  remarked  to  him,  "  I  never 
heard  you  sing  better  than  you  did  to-day."  ''Yes," 
replied  the  Doctor,  "  I  did  pull  out  all  my  stops," 
recalling  the  phraseology  adopted  in  the  story  which 
he  had  dictated. 

The  very  next  day — the  fateful  ^londay — the 
Rector  was  engaged  in  his  ordinary  round  of  duty. 
He  had  left  the  school,  had  gone  into  the  Church, 
thence  entering  the  Rectory,  to  partake  of  his 
luncheon  at  noon.  He  had  just  seated  himself  at 
the  table  when  he  was  stricken  with  the  blow 
which  meant  the  last  of  earth  for  him. 

Tuesday  morning  he  rallied  slightly  from  the 
paralysis.  During  a  short  period  he  recognized 
those  about  him,  but  he  spoke  no  word  to  any. 
Gradually  he  relapsed  into  unconsciousness,  which 
continued  until  the  end,  which  was  peace.  He 
died  at  ten  minutes  before  noon  on  Saturday,  the 
17th  of  August,  1895.  Xear  relatives,  dear  friends, 
were  gathered  at  his  bedside. 

At  noon  the  bell  of  the  Holy  Cross  was  tolled, 
announcing  to  the  citizens  of  Troy  the  passing 
of  this  pure  soul.  It  was  a  fact  in  which  they  all 
had  living  interest.  Then  there  began  a  long- 
continued  expression  of  universal  regret,  of  wide- 
spreading  sorrow,  manifested  in  many  ways.  The 
Daily  Times,  in  its  issue  of  that  Saturday  afternoon, 


330 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


voiced  the  popular  idea  and  feeling  when  it  headed 
its  column,  A  Saint  of  Modern  Days  Translated." 
Tributes  of  highest  esteem,  of  stronger  signifi- 
cancy  than  the  ordinary  newspaper  notice,  ap- 
peared in  various  journals. 

Troy's  oldest  clergyman,  the  Rev.  Peter  Haver- 
mans,  was  pastor  of  a  Roman  Catholic  congrega- 
tion. He  had  come  to  Troy  in  1843,  one  year 
earlier  than  Doctor  Tucker.  The  two  soon  became 
friends.  While  the  Rector  of  the  Holy  Cross  lay 
ill  the  Pastor  of  St.  Peter's  called  often,  to  make 
inquiry  at  the  parsonage.  When  the  latter  learned 
that  the  end  had  come  he  was  deeply  moved.  At 
the  time,  Father  Havermans  was  ninety  years  of 
age,  the  oldest  priest  of  his  communion  in  America. 
Other  clergy,  of  diverse  titles,  united  in  one  expres- 
sion of  sorrow  and  affection. 

The  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  had  been  away — in 
residence  at  his  summer  home  at  North  East  Har- 
bor, Maine.  He  came  on  at  once  to  attend  the 
services.  Arriving  about  three  o'clock  on  Monday 
afternoon,  Bishop  Doane  entered  the  Church  where 
lay  the  body  of  the  much  loved  and  honored  priest, 
clad  in  a  vestment  of  white  embroidered  with  gold 
— a  valued  offering  made  months  before  by  one  of 
the  guilds  of  the  parish.  The  coffin  was  placed  in 
the  ante-chapel.  There,  through  Monday  after- 
noon, some  twenty-five  hundred  parishioners  and 
other  friends  came  to  look  upon  the  familiar,  classic 
features. 

At  the  hour  of  the  Bishop's  arrival — about  three 
o'clock  in  the  day — there  appeared  a  boy  nine  or 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


331 


ten  years  of  age,  clad  plainly  but  neatly,  evidently 
belonging  to  a  family — not  of  this  faith — which 
had  been  blessed  by  the  benefactor,  whose  alms 
had  been  unseen,  unknown,  but  measureless.  The 
boy  passed  into  the  sacred  enclosure,  stepped  to 
the  side  of  the  oaken  cofBn  and  looked  upon  the 
quiet  face.  Then  he  knelt  by  the  side  of  the  dead, 
crossed  himself,  and  prayed.  All  the  onlookers, 
standing  round,  bowed  their  heads  in  unison  with 
the  child's  devotion. 

At  that  moment  the  Bishop  stepped  in.  He  saw 
at  once  the  state  of  the  case.  First  he  laid  his 
hand  upon  the  head  of  the  boy,  giving  his  blessing; 
then  he,  chief  pastor,  knelt  to  take  part  in  the  in- 
tercession, ever  mindful  of  his  loyal  priest. 

Mr.  W.  W.  Rousseau  is  the  organist  of  the 
Church — the  devoted  friend  and  faithful  coworker 
of  the  Rector  so  highly  valued.  Mr.  Rousseau  had 
been  abroad  during  the  summer.  He  reached  his 
home  only  on  Saturday — the  day  of  the  Rector's 
death — not  in  time  to  see  his  dear  friend  yet  alive, 
yet  in  season  to  take  the  musical  direction  of  the 
Burial  Office.  It  was  a  sorrowful  but  sweet  under- 
iaking  for  him.  Like  the  members  of  his  choir,  his 
affections  were  so  enlisted  that  they  were  over- 
wrought. 

Mr.  Rousseau  wrote  me  about  the  one  subject: 
You  will  observe  that  the  last  care  he  had  in  mind 
was  his  Church,  as  he  had  but  just  come  from  it 
and  gone  into  his  dining-room  and  seated  himself 
for  his  usual  noon  lunch  when  he  was  stricken  with 
the  fatal  malady.    ...    So  has  departed  one 


332 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


whose  like  we  shall  never  see  on  earth."  The  or- 
ganist pays  his  own  heartfelt  tribute  in  a  few  para- 
graphs published  in  the  Troy  Times: 

After  an  absence  of  six  weeks,  the  writer  returns  to 
find  a  desolate  house,  a  bereaved  community,  a  void  in 
a  Church-life  that  can  never  be  filled,  and  the  hand  I 
know  would  have  been  most  warmly  extended  to  wel- 
come me  home  cold  in  death;  while  the  great  pleasure 
we  both  anticipated  in  recounting  together  the  results  of 
my  visits  to  the  many  European  Cathedrals  has  been  sud- 
denly banished.  But  it  is  a  satisfaction  beyond  expres- 
sion to  know  that  Dr.  Tucker  died  as  he  wanted  to  die 
— in  the  harness. 

And  it  is  a  gratifying  fact  that  the  Church  he  loved  so 
well,  and  at  which  he  had  ministered  so  faithfully,  was 
perhaps  the  last  object  of  his  care,  as  he  had  just  left  the 
Church  and  entered  his  home  when  he  was  stricken.  But 
the  day  before  (Sunday),  he  waited  upon  the  Lord  in  His 
holy  temple  as  usual. 

But  all  is  over.  No  more  shall  we  be  greeted  with  his 
ever-kindly  smile;  never  again  on  earth  shall  we  listen 
to  the  voice  that  we  all  had  learned  to  love  and  revere. 
Noblest,  truest,  best  of  friends,  farewell!  How  truly 
has  been  fulfilled  the  motto  that  adorned  his  private 
room:  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee 
a  crown  of  life!  " 

During  the  time  in  which  the  cherished  form 
lay  in  state  there  were  palm  branches  about  him, 
placed,  as  it  were,  within  reach  of  his  hand.  Mem- 
bers of  St.  Stephen's  Guild  kept  faithful  watch 
during  the  night  preceding  the  burial. 

On  Sunday  morning  there  had  been  a  Celebration 
held  at  eight  o'clock,  at  which  the  Rev.  Dr.  Maxcy 
was  celebrant.    The  whole  Church  was  filled  abso- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


333 


lutely.  Each  worshipper  present  received  the  Holy 
Communion  at  this  especial  service.  It  was  a  great 
congregation  of  loving,  sorrowing,  and  praying 
friends. 

Thereafter  no  service  was  held  in  the  Church 
until  the  Office  of  Burial  on  Tuesday  morning. 
Then  Bishops  Doane  and  Potter  were  in  attend- 
ance, with  some  forty  vested  clergy.  The  space 
within  the  Church  was  insufficient  to  accommodate 
the  throngs  of  people  who  strove  to  enter;  many 
waited  without. 

Although  the  service  was  of  tenderest  feeling, 
yet  the  scene  was  bright  and  joyous,  just  as  he  who 
had  gone  would  have  liked  to  have  had  it.  The 
altar  was  vested  in  white.  There  was  an  abun- 
dance of  lights  in  the  chancel.  Doctor  Tucker  was 
accustomed  to  say,  "  Let  us  have  plenty  of  light." 
Beautiful  flowers  were  on  every  side.  Fresh  roses 
shed  fragrance.  The  palm  branches  still  foretold 
triumph.  Violet  hangings  were  apparent  only 
within  the  limits  of  the  choir.  The  first  hymn 
was  the  exultant  strain,  "  Ten  thousand  times  ten 
thousand  " — a  favorite  of  the  one  remembered. 

The  choir  of  the  Church,  devoted  every  soul  of 
them  to  the  Pastor,  were  so  moved  by  their  per- 
sonal sorrow  that,  at  the  Burial  Office,  they  could 
scarcely  sing  plain  chants  and  hymns.  The  organ- 
ist was  so  persuaded  beforehand  of  their  unusual 
attachment  and  feeling  that  he  did  not  venture  to 
place  even  a  single  anthem  upon  the  programme 
for  the  day — this  with  reference  to  a  choir  which 
is  accustomed  to  sing  anthems  all  the  time. 


334 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Was  there  ever  such  a  Burial  Service  as  this? 
When,  after  the  office,  the  treasured  body  was  car- 
ried along  the  alley-way,  the  singers  broke  down 
on  account  of  their  grief.  The  congregation  joined 
them  in  audible  sobs.  What  a  tribute  of  affection 
it  was!  All  along  the  street  there  were  constant 
manifestations  of  respect  and  true  grief.  It  might 
appear  that,  after  all,  the  great  mass  cares  more  for 
its  true  saints  than  for  princes  or  conquerors. 

A  line  of  fifty  coaches  was  filled  with  actual 
mourners.  Arrived  at  Oakwood,  after  the  body 
had  been  committed  to  the  earth,  nearly  every 
member  of  the  multitude  cast  fresh  flowers  into 
the  open  grave.  Throughout  the  time  occupied 
by  service  and  procession,  the  bell  of  St.  Paul's — 
the  mother  Church — was  tolled. 

Trojans  are  glad  that  their  saint  lies  buried  close 
at  hand,  within  the  confines  of  their  own  interest- 
ing city,  of  that  which  had  become  his  true  home 
by  adoption  and  long  residence. 

The  place  of  resting  for  his  body  is,  as  he  wished 
it,  in  a  spot  "  where  the  sun  might  shine  upon  his 
grave."  He  lies  in  the  midst  of  a  plot,  with  space 
about  him  in  which,  according  to  his  own  request, 
any  of  the  poor  of  the  Church,  who  so  desire,  may 
be  buried. 

The  feeling  of  Church  musicians  outside  of  his 
own  city  is  summed  up  in  a  letter  which  arrived 
soon  after  the  burial,  addressed  to  a  musical  friend 
in  Troy.  Dr.  George  William  Warren,  organist  of 
St.  Thomas'  Church,  New  York,  writes  from  his 
summer  home: 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


335 


BoLTON-oN- Lake-George, 

New  York, 
Aug.  22,  1895. 

Dear  Mrs.  Mary: 

It  was  an  added  sorrow  to  my  constant  grief  for  the 
death  of  our  sainted  friend,  that  I  could  not  be  at  Holy 
Cross  Church  last  Tuesday,  but  it  was  entirely  impos- 
sible to  leave  home  either  on  Monday  or  Tuesday.  To- 
day I  could  have  been  with  all  you  mourners. 

I  feel  so  lost  now  that  I  never  can  see  him  again  in 
this  world.  His  regard  and  sympathy,  and  the  consola- 
tion of  being  with  him  at  the  parsonage  as  occasion 
allowed  me,  was  everything  to  me,  and  now  I  am  deso- 
late indeed;  and  if  so  for  me,  think  of  you  who  could  see 
him  every  day.    Truly  we  are  afflicted.    .    .  . 

On  the  26th  of  August  Dr.  Warren  writes  again: 

Many,  many  thanks  for  your  letter  of  Saturday,  every 
item  of  which  I  read  with  a  melancholy  interest,  almost 
morbid. 

I  hope  some  consolation  will  come  to  us  by  and  by, 
yes,  and  to  the  Parish  and  School  of  the  Holy  Cross.  All 
good  things  end  in  this  world,  and  our  minds  should  be 
trained  to  meet  trouble,  and  yet  we  are  never  ready  for 
these  appalling  changes;  and  when  I  think  of  the  par- 
sonage without  him,  I  am  desolate.  We  are,  however, 
comforted,  for  our  dear  saint  is  at  rest  and  in  bliss  ever- 
lasting. Amen. 

Truly  your  friend 

Geo.  Wm.  Warren. 

One-half  hour  after  the  return  from  the  ceme- 
tery a  message  was  received  by  cable,  from  Tours 
in  France,  conveying  an  order  for  flowers  for  the 
burial.     It  was  followed  by  a  letter  from  Mrs. 


336 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


Percy  Alden,  stating  that,  in  the  Paris  Herald,  she 
had  just  seen  the  announcement  of  the  death.  She 
expressed  her  great  sorrow,  and  hoped  that  her 
cable  "  would  be  in  time. 

The  Rev.  Arthur  B.  Moorhouse  wrote  from  Bos- 
ton: Doctor  Tucker  was  a  most  remarkable  man; 
none  like  him  in  my  estimation.  He  was  always 
deeply  sympathetic,  in  musical  matters  particu- 
larly. I  used  to  steal  away  from  Boston  on  every 
opportunity,  to  come  to  the  Holy  Cross  to  hear 
that  wonderful  service.  I  had  a  most  delightful 
visit  with  the  Doctor  just  after  Easter.  Although 
he  did  not  seem  so  strong  as  usual,  yet  I  did  not 
think  he  was  really  breaking  down.  His  loss  will 
be  felt  all  over  the  country." 

J.  D.  Shaw  of  Irvington,  N.  J.,  wrote  28th 
August,  1895: 

I  have  seen  the  Churchman,  It  has  a  short  account 
of  his  life  with  a  good  portrait,  but  in  no  way  does  it  go 
into  all  the  particulars  that  a  paper  from  Troy  would. 
Every  word  of  eulogy  was  truthful. 

He  was  my  Sunday-school  teacher  55  years  ago,  and 
in  every  way  took  great  interest  in  me.  If  you  had  seen 
his  father,  you  would  not  have  forgotten  him.  He  was 
Major  Tucker,  President  of  one  of  the  Wall  St.  banks, 
N.  Y.  He  was  nearly  seven  feet  in  height,  with  a  strong 
military  air.  You  could  not  but  observe  him  in  passing. 

Of  the  son,  Rev.  Dr.  Tucker,  we  may  well  say 

Servant  of  God,  well  done! 

Rest  from  thy  loved  employ. 
The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 

Enter  thy  Master's  joy. 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


337 


The  Standing  Committee  at  once  met  and 
adopted  a  minute: 

The  Standing  Committee  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  assembled  on  this  the  20th  day  of  August,  1895, 
to  attend  upon  the  funeral  obsequies  of  the  Rev.  John 
Ireland  Tucker,  D.D.,  desire  to  place  on  record  the  fol- 
lowing minute: 

Born  1819 — Died  1895.  These  are  the  periods  that 
mark  the  earthly  pilgrimage  of  our  associate,  wherein 
were  fulfilled  the  Psalmist's  promise:  "With  long  life 
will  I  satisfy  him  and  show  him  my  salvation."    .    .  . 

In  the  formation  of  the  Diocese  of  Albany  he  took  a 
prominent  and  active  part,  and  ever  since  that  time  he 
has  given  of  his  time,  advice,  labor  and  aid  to  further 
its  progress.  His  pride  in  the  prosperity  of  the  same 
was  great;  the  honors  heaped  upon  its  first  Bishop  caused 
him  more  joy  than  had  they  been  his  own,  so  unselfish 
was  his  nature;  interest  in  diocesan  institutions  never 
flagged;  loyalty  to  his  Bishop  was  strong  and  continu- 
o---;  honors  did  not  have  to  be  conferred  on  him  before 
he  would  rouse  himself  to  higher  thought  and  generous 
deed;  to  him  honors  were  as  mere  accidents,  for  the 
reason  he  himself  w^as  above,  beyond  and  greater  than 
them  all. 

From  the  formation  of  the  Diocese  he  has  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Standing  Committee  and  since  the  death  of 
the  Rev.  William  Payne,  D.D.,  four  and  one-half  years 
ago,  its  honored  and  revered  president.  It  has  been  the 
lot  of  few  dioceses  as  old  as  ours,  to  have  had  only 
two  presidents  and  those  two  such  saintly  characters  as 
were  Drs.  Payne  and  Tucker.  It  is  not  our  place  to  lin- 
ger with  detail  in  the  various  spheres  of  activity  wherein 
our  departed  brother  exercised  his  gifts  so  conspicuously 
and  so  successfully,  but  rather  to  think  of  him  as  our  as- 
sociate in  the  Standing  Committee  of  this  Diocese.   .  .  . 

In  our  councils  we  saw  at  work  in  him  constantly  the 
strong  intellect  and  the  warm  heart;  in  him  mercy  and 
22 


338 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


truth  met  together;  righteousness  and  peace  kissed  each 
other;  impetuous,  yet  so  cahii;  gentle,  yet  so  strong; 
modest,  yet  so  brave;  retiring,  yet  so  conspicuous;  simple, 
yet  so  learned;  manly,  yet  so  Christlike.  His  whole  life 
was  a  sweet  song,  which  as  the  days  flew  by  grew  sweeter 
and  stronger,  as  though  it  was  a  preparedness  for  leader- 
ship in  the  choirs  of  the  New  Jerusalem. 

Dear  Dr.  Tucker,  we,  thine  associates  of  the  Standing 
Committee,  bid  thee  "  Farewell,"  knowing  it  will  not  be 
so  long  a  time  before  we  shall  have  the  joy  of  reunion 
and  of  thy  welcome  to  become  partakers  with  thee  of 
those  blessings  prepared  for  those  who  love  God,  and 
upon  which  thou  art  entered.  "  Farewell!  "  but  only  for 
a  brief  time,  for  that  strange  voice  of  thine  that  so  fas- 
cinated us  in  our  earthly  worship  will  yet  in  louder  and 
clearer  and  sweeter  tones  help  us  the  better  to  sing  the 
song  of  the  redeemed — "  Blessing  and  glory  and  wisdom 
and  thanksgiving  and  honor  and  power  and  might  be 
unto  our  God  forever  and  ever.  Amen."  "  Mark  the 
perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of  that 
man  is  peace." 

James  Caird, 

For  the  Committee. 

At  the  Diocesan  Convention  holden  a  few 
months  later,  the  Bishop,  in  his  address,  recalled 
the  vivid  scene  of  the  burial: 

I  received  on  Saturday,  the  17th  of  August,  in  North 
East  Harbor,  news  of  the  death  of  dear  Dr.  Tucker, 
for  which  I  was  somewhat  prepared  by  Dr.  Ferguson's 
thoughtfulness  in  telegraphing  me  of  his  sudden  illness. 
I  came  at  once  of  course  to  Troy  and  took  my  part  in 
the  solemn  and  touching  of¥ice  of  his  burial,  the  Bishop 
of  New  York  being  with  me,  and  about  forty  clergymen, 
many  of  whom  had  come  long  distances,  and  all  of  whom 
had  come  out  of  the  deep  sense  of  personal  love  and  per- 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


339 


sonal  loss.  I  print,  in  the  appendix  of  this  address,  the 
minute  of  the  Standing  Committee,  the  minute  adopted 
by  the  Bishops  and  clergy  present,  all  too  faint  and  feeble 
utterances  of  our  true  and  reverent  affection  for  this  holy 
man.  It  is  a  strange  coincidence,  that  this  same  address 
should  contain  the  notice  of  the  Jubilee,  which  we  kept 
on  Christmas  eve,  in  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  with 
proud  and  thankful  hearts.  And  I  am  sure  that  you  will 
agree  with  me,  that  our  sorrow  ought  to  be  unselfish 
enough  and  full  enough  of  faith,  to  realize  that  if  we 
called  that  golden,  we  ought  to  call  this  the  jewel  jubilee 
for  him.  It  is  idle  to  attempt  to  put  in  words  the  estimate 
of  such  a  life  and  such  a  character.  He  was  so  many- 
sided  that  the  sense  of  his  loss  touches  hundreds  of 
people;  who  knew  him,  from  the  far  outside,  only  as  the 
reverent  priest,  the  rare  musician,  the  composer  and  com- 
piler of  what  I  believe  to  be  the  best  musical  hymnal  in 
the  Anglican  Communion;  who  knew  him,  in  the  closer 
relations,  either  of  official  counsel  or  of  close  and  in- 
timate personal  friendship;  who  loved  him  and  looked 
up  to  him  as  their  guide  and  teacher  in  spiritual  things, 
their  devoted  pastor,  their  friend,  so  prompt  and  keen 
in  sympathy  with  every  joy  and  sorrow  of  their  lives; 
his  fellow-citizens,  whose  leader  and  example  he  was  in 
all  that  made  for  righteousness  and  truth  and  honor;  his 
own  immediate  family,  whose  personal  bereavement  we 
may  not  forget  in  the  c^'eat  sorrow  of  our  own  loss. 

I  am  sure  none  who  were  there  that  day,  either  in  the 
Church  or  about  the  grave,  can  ever  forget  the  well-won 
tribute  poured  out,  by  every  sign  and  token  of  grief  and 
love.  As  we  passed  out  between  the  double  file  of  sing- 
ing men  and  girls,  bearing  the  body  for  the  last  time 
from  the  Church  which  he  had  created  and  served,  while 
the  voices  of  the  choir  half  sang,  half  sobbed,  the  words 
of  the  "  Paradise  hymn  " — keeping  their  sobs  in  tune  and 
time — I  said  to  the  Bishop  of  New  York:  "  It  was  worth 
living  to  have  won  such  a  tribute  as  that."  I  am  free  to 
say  after  a  friendship  of  forty  years,  the  latter  half  of 


340 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


which  has  been  filled  with  constant  and  intimate  inter- 
course, that  I  have  never  known  a  priest  in  whom  God 
had  so  beautifully  combined  all  gifts  of  nature  and  of 
grace,  that  go  to  make  a  rounded  and  completed  man. 
He  was  a  theologian,  one  of  very  few,  accurate  in  all  the 
definitions  of  the  truth,  keeping  his  mind  fresh  with  all 
the  newest  publications  of  the  day;  and  staunch  and  true 
in  his  convictions  of  the  Catholic  faith.  He  was  a  gentle- 
man with  every  instinct  of  kindly  courtesy,  and  with  all 
the  grace  and  finish  and  polish  which  a  rare  and  fine  na- 
ture gets  from  the  manners  of  a  gentleman.  And  in  his 
inner  life,  into  whose  sacred  places  the  eyes  of  man  could 
only  imperfectly  look,  he  showed  by  every  unstudied 
and  instinctive  act  and  word,  that  he  was  one  of  the  men 
who  "  walk  with  God."  He  has  left  behind  him  many  a 
memory  and  many  a  memorial  which  will  only  freshen 
and  brighten  as  time  goes  on. 


XX 


AFTERWARD 

It  was  on  a  Sunday,  not  long  after  the  day  of 
the  memorable  burial,  that  two  persons  walked  in 
Oakwood,  near  to  the  place  of  his  resting.  They 
noted  the  bank  of  flowers  there  preserved.  Said 
one  of  the  visitors:  Is  that  Doctor  Tucker's 
grave?  " 

Being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  the  woman 
continued : 

I  am  no  Episcopalian;  but  Dr.  Tucker  was  one  good 
man.  I  knew  him  thirty  years  ago.  My  husband  was 
a  real-estate  agent;  he  rented  a  house  to  a  man  who  came 
here  with  his  family,  and  tried  to  make  a  living  by 
teaching  music.  He  did  not  get  on  very  well  here,  and 
finally  went  to  Hoosack  Falls,  leaving  his  family  in  the 
house.  Not  long  afterwards  he  came  home  late  one 
night,  and  his  wife  soon  came  to  our  house,  asking  my 
husband  to  go  for  Dr.  Vincent,  as  her  husband  was  very 
ill. 

Dr.  Vincent  came,  and  said  there  was  no  hope  for  the 
man;  then,  at  their  request,  my  husband  went  for  Dr. 
Tucker.  I  remember  it  was  just  at  the  break  of  day 
when  he  came.  After  a  few  words  with  the  sick  man, 
he  knelt  down  by  his  bed,  and  offered  up  the  best  prayer 
I  ever  heard  in  my  life. 

The  man  died  soon  after.  Dr.  Tucker  paid  the  ex- 
penses of  the  funeral,  took  the  girls  into  his  school,  found 


342 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


employment  for  the  boys,  and  in  fact  raised  that  family 
until  they  could  care  for  themselves.  There  is  no  doubt 
about  it — he  was  really  a  good  man. 

On  the  15th  of  September  a  memorial  Celebra- 
tion was  held  at  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross, 
the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  being  Celebrant  and 
Preacher.  The  sermon  consisted  of  a  brief  ad- 
dress, in  a  part  of  which  the  Bishop  said: 

You  and  I  are  here  today  for  the  first  Communion  Ser- 
vice since  this  pulpit  became  empty.  I  am  not  seeking 
to  fill  it,  and  I  thank  God  that  no  man  can  fill  it.  When 
God  raises  us  individuals,  He  is  not  as  cheap  and  mean 
as  you  and  I.  Dr.  Tucker's  place  can  never  be  filled, 
and  we  would  not  have  it  filled.  But  it  would  be  a  dis- 
honor to  him  and  a  discredit  to  God  if  the  work  he  began 
should  go  into  unworthy  hands,  for  he  was  too  good  a 
workman.  You  and  I  are  here,  for  the  first  time  since 
the  burial  service  never  to  be  forgotten.  We  came  then 
to  share  our  common  sorrow.  Today  we  come  for  a 
memorial  Celebration  of  the  Eucharist,  and  the  Eucharist 
is  a  thanksgiving.  He  had  faith,  love,  hope;  and  because 
he  believed  and  loved  whatever  God  told  him,  he  gained 
the  increase.  What  can  we  find  depicted  more  grand 
than  his  beautiful  character? 

So  there  began  a  series  of  ofifices  in  memory. 

On  the  29th  of  the  same  month  the  Rev.  H.  R. 
Freeman  delivered  a  discourse  at  St.  John's  Church, 
in  memory  of  Doctor  Tucker.  Other  memorial 
services  were  held  elsewhere. 

On  the  recurrence  of  the  Feast  of  All  Saints,' 
the  loving  ones,  remembering  ever,  could  not  but 
give  chief  place  to  this  high  saint  of  God.  Under 


PRIEST-MUSICIAN 


343 


the  auspices  of  parish  guilds,  a  service  was  held  in 
the  open  air,  at  Oakwood,  about  the  new-made 
grave.  Parishioners  and  visiting  clergy  were 
present.  The  faithful  choir  was  on  duty;  each 
member  carried  a  bunch  of  flowers;  later  these 
were  laid  upon  the  mound  of  earth.  Large  floral 
crosses  and  other  ofiFerings  had  been  sent  by  the 
four  guilds  of  the  parish. 

Dr.  Maxcy  chanted  the  especial  office.  Among 
the  hymns  there  were  two  having  tender  signifi- 
cance and  association.    One  was 

The  Saints  of  God!    Their  conflict  past, 
And  life's  long  battle  won  at  last, 

which  was  sung  to  Stainer's  setting;  the  other  was 
the  elder  Bishop  Doane's  hymn,  Thou  art  the 
way,"  set  to  one  of  the  tunes  the  authorship  of 
which  is  marked  in  the  Hymnal  by  the  modest 
initials  "  J.  I.  T."  So  two  friends  who  had  loved 
long,  parted  for  a  while  but  now  reunited  in  Para- 
dise, were  associated  in  this  office  of  All  Saints  at 
Oakwood:  the  one  as  the  author  of  a  hymn,  the 
other  the  composer  of  the  tune  to  which  the  words 
were  sung. 

Doctor  Tucker's  composition  for  the  425th 
Hymn  will  no  doubt  come  into  use  more  and 
more  as  it  becomes  the  better  known.  It  is  emi- 
nently proper  for  this  particular  wording,  and  it 
is  a  noble  sacred  song. 

Yet  one  year  later,  when  All  Saints'  came  round 
again,  the  good  people  might  not  yet  forget;  so 


344 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


long  as  they  live  they  are  bound  to  remember  and 
pray  for  him,  with  reference  to  whom  they  give 
God  thanks.  A  memorial  service  was  held  "  for  all 
the  saints,"  but  with  especial  remembrance  of  the 
names  associated  with  the  parish.  This  time  the 
ofHce  was  said  in  Church,  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
Feast.  Bishop  Doane  made  the  address.  Again 
his  father's  hymn  was  sung  to  the  tune  by  "  J.  I.  T." 
A  large  number  of  local  clergy  were  in  attendance. 
Other  music  composed  by  the  late  Rector  had 
place  in  the  festival  services. 

A  few  months  after  the  day  of  parting,  the  present 
writer  stepped  within  the  confines  of  the  "  parson- 
age," as  it  was  ordinarily  styled  in  Troy.  The 
place  was  forsaken — no  one  dwelling  therein.  Yet 
there  was  enough  about  the  walls  and  rooms  to 
convey  an  indefinable  sense  of  the  presence  which 
had  passed  away.  Books  were  everywhere,  not 
only  in  the  two  libraries,  but  in  unexpected  locali- 
ties, such  as  in  the  entry  passages  far  up  on  the 
third  floor.  All  the  volumes,  except  the  hymnals, 
had  been  willed  to  St.  Stephen's  College,  long 
served  by  Doctor  Tucker.  At  the  time  of  my  visit  a 
few  books  were  already  in  packing  boxes,  ready  for 
transshipment;  but  enough  remained  to  indicate 
the  character  of  the  late  owner.  There  were  fine 
editions  of  de/les  lettres.  One  would  read  the 
title  Hawthorne's  *  Our  Old  Home,' "  and  of 
many  another  favorite.  Good  editions  were  the 
rule.  Encyclopaedias  appeared  in  the  original 
English  print,  likewise  standard  books  of  theology. 

Dr.  Maxcy  once  made  the  remark  that  the  Rector 


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345 


of  the  Holy  Cross  was  an  omnivorous  reader,  rapid 
but  accurate,  making  the  book  his  own.  He  was 
also  great  in  the  preparation  of  indexes  of  that 
which  had  been  read. 

The  furnishing  of  the  house  was  liberal;  it  all 
gave  token  of  culture.  But  in  the  Doctor's  bed- 
room on  the  third  floor — the  apartment  which  con- 
cerned only  himself  and  which  entered  not  into 
the  service  of  others — one  would  be  struck  by  the 
extreme  simplicity.  Here  asceticism  found  play — 
in  this  case,  sign  of  unselfishness  and  generosity. 

Below,  in  the  drawing-room,  there  was  a  grand 
piano,  as  became  the  home  of  a  musician.  And, 
like  the  books,  paintings  were  manifest  at  every 
turn. 

In  the  hallway,  at  first  entrance  one  would  note 
colored  prints  of  the  \'atican  and  St.  Peter's,  Rome. 
In  the  dining-room,  at  the  right,  etchings  have 
place,  including  a  striking  picture  by  Haig  of 
the  Cathedral  of  Toledo,  in  which  a  procession 
is  just  entering  the  choir.  Over  the  sideboard 
is  an  etching  of  Canterbury.  In  another  frame, 
monks  are  at  a  Friday  refection:  there  is  much 
fish,  but  large  flasks  are  also  brought  in.  Sir 
Walter  Scott  appears  in  one  corner;  beneath  this 
the  Kaulbach  engraving  of  Goethe's  "  Lottie  "  cut- 
ting bread  for  the  children.  Beside  the  mantel- 
glass  Salisbury  comes  into  view. 

Mount  to  the  second  story  by  the  broad  stair- 
way; pass  before  the  many  books  lining  the  entry- 
way,  and  you  find  yourself  in  the  front  study,  hav- 
ing the  solid  cases  of  black  walnut  built  up  into 


346 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


the  structure  of  the  apartment.  Here  are  the  large 
standard  works  of  theology,  for  reference.  This 
was  the  original  study,  used  years  ago.  Over  the 
mantel-shelf  there  is  a  colored  print,  Le  Recit  de 
Missionaire,"  who  sits  and  tells  his  story — about 
his  serious  work — to  monks  that  care  not;  they  are 
heedless,  attending  to  lighter  afYairs. 

Beside  this  is  the  drawing-room,  with  the  grand 
piano  and  a  library  of  valuable  music.  Paintings 
in  oils  hang  on  the  walls.  There  is  a  great  canvas 
showing  "  Ruth  and  Naomi  another,  The  Early 
Mass";  yet  again,  "Isaac  and  Rebecca."  The 
'*  Mater  Dolorosa  "  is  prominent,  but  St.  Cecilia 
presides  over  the  precincts  largely  devoted  to  her 
art. 

At  the  back  of  the  building  was  located  the 
second  study,  occupied  by  the  Doctor  for  a  num- 
ber of  recent  years.  Here  was  the  working  plant 
for  every-day  use:  a  writing-table,  large  files  of 
manuscripts,  of  papers;  also  books,  photographs, 
engravings.  The  portraits  of  friends  hang  within 
reach — Bishop  Doane  of  New  Jersey  and  Bishop 
Henry  C.  Potter,  apparently  taken  when  Dr.  Potter 
was  a  young  Rector  in  Troy. 

A  small  anteroom  opens  next  to  the  study. 
Here  is  the  varied  assortment  of  two  hundred  dif- 
ferent musical  hymnals,  bequeathed  to  the  friend 
and  organist,  Mr.  Rousseau.  There  is  just  room 
for  a  lounge;  nevertheless  over  that  hangs  a  fine 
etching. 

Above,  au  iroisihne^  one  notes  the  Bishop's  room 
which  was  set  apart  in  the  times  when  Bishop 


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347 


Horatio  Potter  used  to  come  on  from  New  York 
and  to  stay  a  while.  Beside  this  was  Doctor 
Tucker's  own  apartment,  where  he  lay  down  to 
nightly  rest  and  where  he  lay  down  for  the  last 
sleep.  Upon  the  wall  is  a  drawing  of  the  Church 
of  the  Holy  Cross  as  it  appeared  in  its  childhood; 
also  over  the  couch  an  illuminated  sentence — the 
only  text  inscribed  anywhere  in  all  the  house — "  Be 
thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a 
crown  of  life." 

Yet  later,  a  few  months  farther  on,  I  made  a 
brief  stay  at  the  Warden's  home,  located  on  the 
leafy  and  lovely  campus  of  St.  Stephen's  College. 
There  Dr.  Fairbairn — old  friend  of  the  Rector  of 
the  Holy  Cross — said  to  me: 

From  time  to  time  Doctor  Tucker  had  stayed  here  with 
me. 

I  sent  for  him  to  come  spend  the  night  before  Com- 
mencement. He  wrote  that  he  had  ceased  to  be  away 
from  home  over  night.  It  was  a  genial  letter.  A  few 
days  after  I  went  to  see  him. 

In  the  old  time,  I  was  Rector  of  Christ  Church  in 
Troy.  The  first  four  years  of  Tucker's  ministry  we  lived 
together  under  the  same  roof.  We  were  peculiarly  inti- 
mate, constant  friends.  Frequently  we  used  to  go  to 
his  father's  house;  we  dined  there  often.  His  father  was 
kind  to  me;  Tucker  was  kind  to  me. 

Then  the  Warden  told  the  story,  quoted  else- 
where, about  the  one  friend  procuring  a  nurse  for 
the  other  through  a  spell  of  sickness.  Dr.  Fair- 
bairn continued: 


348 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


He  married  me,  married  my  daughter  and  baptized  my 
son.  He  buried  my  wife;  to  the  grave  he  carried  some 
flowers,  and  laid  them  there  after  he  had  read  the  service. 

He  used  to  complain  sometimes  about  the  condition  of 
the  Church  in  general.  It  was  pretty  bad  at  that  time. 
He  was  tempted  to  give  it  up.  But  he  balanced  the 
question,  and  settled  it  once  for  all. 

Some  people  used  to  think  that  he  might  be  persuaded 
to  renounce  his  Church.  Deshon  was  an  army  officer 
in  the  ordnance  department.  He  used  to  come  to  me 
and  say,  "  You  hold  on  to  Tucker,  or  he'll  go  to  Rome." 
But  Deshon  went  and  he  didn't.  Dr.  Rider,  President 
of  a  R.  C.  College  at  Worcester,  Mass.,  came  to  Troy, 
delivering  addresses  and  making  some  converts,  among 
them  Deshon,  who  became  a  priest.  Dr.  Tucker  re- 
mained a  faithful  Anglican  to  the  end. 

He  always  set  apart  a  portion  of  the  day  for  regular 
study.  Besides  this  he  gave  attention  to  lighter  reading, 
especially  on  Church  subjects.  No  important  work  of 
fiction,  such  as  Mrs.  Ward's  book,  escaped  him.  Bull's 
works  he  read  in  Latin,  just  after  he  went  to  Troy.  He 
told  me  that  he  found  it  a  little  laborious;  but  he  stuck 
to  it.    He  was  a  studious  man. 

He  gave  the  afternoon  to  pastoral  visiting.  In  his 
pastoral  work,  a  remarkable  trait  was  his  care  of  the 
girls;  he  looked  after  them  and  their  parents;  he  went 
into  the  school  and  taught  them. 

Intellectually  he  was  not  a  brilliant  man,  but  he  had 
a  good  mind;  wrote  a  good  sermon.  He  confined  him- 
self to  the  Holy  Cross.  He  was  rarely  absent;  never  ex- 
changed. Once  he  had  an  engagement  to  exchange  with 
the  chaplain  at  West  Point,  but  when  the  time  came,  he 
got  me  to  go  and  do  it  for  him.  He  was  regular  and 
faithful  in  the  writing  of  his  sermons.  I  think  they  kept 
progressing  most  of  the  week. 

In  social  life,  he  loved  company;  he  entertained  a  great 
deal  after  he  got  in  his  own  house,  and  he  received  many 
even  when  in  apartments.    Gibson  used  to  come  down 


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349 


from  Cohoes  nearly  every  week.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  came 
up  and  preached. 

Among  the  books  [bequeathed  to  St,  Stephen's  Col- 
lege] we  found  a  lot  of  receipted  bills,  many  of  them  for 
jewelry.  I  began  to  find  out.  These  things  had  been 
given  to  the  children  of  that  school.  It  only  shows  with 
what  afrection  he  dealt  with  them.  He  gave  them  not 
only  books,  he  set  before  them  not  only  religion,  but  he 
gave  them  things  which  would  make  them  feel  at  home 
with  themselves,  make  them  feel  good  and  comfortable. 

Dr.  Fairbairn  talked  further  about  the  musical 
abilities  of  his  friend;  also  about  the  ef?ect  pro- 
duced by  his  personal  presence.  Few  were  as 
graceful  as  he." 

The  Warden  had  published  a  paper  in  the  5/. 
Stephen  s  College  Messenger.  In  this  he  urged 
the  young  men  at  college  to  become  acquainted 
with  Doctor  Tucker's  life,  and  to  find  in  his  career 
a  stimulus  and  encouragement.  "  Dr.  Tucker  lived 
in  Troy,"  he  wrote,  "for  fifty-one  years;  and  at 
the  end  of  that  period,  he  was  probably  more  re- 
spected, more  influential,  and  more  loved  than  at 
any  portion  of  it.  His  life  would  be  a  great  study 
for  young  men." 

The  writer  referred  to  propriety  of  conduct  as 
one  of  the  elements  of  a  true  success. 

His  conduct  was  always  proper.  I  have  attempted  to 
recall  some  improper  action  or  word  which  escaped  him 
during  the  four  years  that  we  stood  in  such  intimate  rela- 
tions. But  I  do  not  recall  any  such.  The  picture  before 
my  mind  is  a  man  of  the  utmost  propriety.  His  manners 
and  his  dress  were  of  such  a  character  as  always  to 


350 


DOCTOR  TUCKER 


impress  one.  One  could  not  fail  to  feel  that  he  was  in  the 
presence  of  a  superior  person.  No  vulgar  expression  or 
story  ever  escaped  from  his  lips.  No  slovenliness  was 
ever  seen  in  him.  This  neatness  was  natural  to  him.  It 
was  not  assumed  or  put  on,  but  it  became  part  of  him. 
There  are  plenty  of  clergymen  who  are  as  learned,  and 
as  vigorous  in  their  work,  but  it  is  rare  to  find  one  as 
graceful  as  he.  That  was  one  of  the  elements  of  character 
which  made  Dr.  Tucker.  He  exemplifies  in  a  grand  sense 
what  William  of  Wyckham  said,  "  Manners  maketh  man." 

There  might  be  written  a  discourse  on  the  manners  of 
Dr.  Tucker,  which  would  be  a  great  lesson  to  young  men. 
Such  cultivation  would  be  in  any  one  a  real  element  of 
success. 

So  the  head  of  a  college  talks  to  the  youth  under 
his  care;  he  calls  attention  to  the  shining  example 
which  has  been  set  before  them. 

He  emphasizes  a  feature  characteristic  of  the  en- 
tire earthly  career  which  we  have  contemplated. 
Doctor  Tucker  never  outlived  that  to  which  he  was 
born  and  bred. 

Says  Thackeray:  "  What  is  it  to  be  a  gentleman? 
Is  it  to  have  lofty  aims ;  to  lead  a  pure  life ;  to  keep 
your  honor  virgin;  to  have  the  esteem  of  your  fel- 
low citizens  and  the  love  of  your  fireside;  to  bear 
good  fortune  meekly;  to  suffer  evil  with  constancy; 
and  through  evil  and  good  to  maintain  truth  al- 
ways? Show  me  the  happy  man  whose  Hfe  ex- 
hibits these  qualities,  and  him  will  we  salute  as 
gentleman." 

And  so  it  is  that  a  bright  and  wholesome  memory 
abides  of  him  who  liked  always  a  sufficiency  of 
light,  having  no  fellowship  with  darkness  either  in 


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351 


his  chancel  or  in  his  every-day  living,  and  whose 
body  sleeps  now  "  where  the  sun  may  shine  upon 
it." 


The  story  here  told  had  just  been  completed,  its 
manuscript  was  ready  for  the  press,  when  a  tele- 
gram came  to  hand  announcing  the  sudden  death 
of  William  W.  Rousseau,  whose  name  appears 
more  than  once  in  the  foregoing  pages.  He  was 
the  organist  at  Holy  Cross  during  the  latter  half  of 
Doctor  Tucker's  rectorship,  also  the  constant  co- 
worker with  his  Rector,  especially  in  the  editorship 
of  all  the  hymnals. 

The  two  were  linked  together,  like  David  and 
Jonathan,  in  bonds  of  affection.  For  his  chief  the 
younger  cherished  a  reverential  admiration.  Fur- 
ther, there  existed  in  both  a  oneness  of  sentiment, 
as,  for  example,  about  the  absolute  desirability  of 
the  adoption  of  the  lovely  art  into  the  direct  service 
of  God.  Each  worked  as  hard  as  he  could  for  the 
accomplishment  of  this  end. 

Fitting  it  seemed  that  the  one  friend  should  follow 
so  soon  the  other  into  the  world  beyond.  That 
was  a  joyful  reunion. 


